NYPL RESEARCH LIBRARIES

3 3433 081

M.

V . \

'\\

■^ -^ ,-*^^ ,-«-^ -^j^ "V -"^

Portrait and

-4^^ BIOGRAPHICAL

Ol-

WINONA COUNTY,

MINNESOTA.

Containino- Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Repre-
sentative Citizens of the County,

ToQ^cthLM' with Biographies and Portraits of all ihv Trcsidcnts of the

United States.

I.AKK City Piiii.ihiiin". Co.
(•1IK'A(;(»:

ciiAi'.MAN rnu, isiiiN<; comi'an^

nUNTKIIM ANI> ISIMlKKS.
1895.

:^

iv

^

^

r,

11765

• •• • •
• • • •

pi^Ep/^^E.

-;»i^

>tf*tf-»

IE greatest of Englisli historiaus, MACALLAY,and one of the most brilliant writers ol
the present century, Las said: "The history of a country is best tokl in a record of the
lives of its people." In conformity with this idea tla: Poktrait am> Biographical
Ke( oru of this county has ':oen prepared. Instead of going to nuisty records, and
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, oui
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women wlio have, by then
enterprise and industry, brought the county to rank second to none among those
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli-
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited
advantiiges for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who
have risen from the lower wallvS of life to eminence as statesmen, and wliose names have
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
many, who, not seeking the aijplause of the world, have pursued "the even tenor of their w.ay," content
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of merc^' — "the^' have done what
they could." It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the
anvil, the lawyer's office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country's
call went forth valiantly "to do or die," and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace
once more reigned in the land. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson tliat should not
tie lost upon tliose who follow after.

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from tlie fact
that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opport\inity possible
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them-
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograpb
leal sketche.'", portraits of a number of representative citizens arc given.

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in this volume. For this tUe
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition tlie support of the interested
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made
at their residence or place of business.

February, 189.5. I.akk City Pdblishiho Co.

OF THE

FRE SIDE NTS

OF THE

A^o^

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

HE Father of our Country was bora in West-
moreland County, Va. , Februarj- 22, 1732.
I lis parents were Augustine and Marj- (Ball)
Washington. The family to which he belonged
has not been satisfactorily traced in England.
His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi-
grated to Virginia about 1657, and became a
prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence
and Jolui. The former married Mildred Waraer,
and had three children, John, Augustine and
Mildred. Augu.stine, the father of George, first
married Jane Butler, who bore him four children,
two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his second mar-
riage, George was the eldest, the others being
Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and
Mildred.

Augustine Washington, the father of George,
died in 1743, leaving a large landed property.
To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an
estate on the Potomac, afterwards known as Mt.
Vernon, and to George he left the parental resi-
dence. George received only such education as
the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a
short time after he left sch(X)l, when he received
private instruction in mathematics. His spelling
was rather defective. Remarkable stories are
told of his great physical strength and develop-
ment at an early age. He was an acknowledged
\eader among his companions, and was early
noted for that nobleness of character, fairne.<W and
<cracity which characterized his whole life.

When George was fourteen years old he had a
desire to go to sea, and a midshipman's warrant
was secured for him, but through the opjiosition
of his mother the idea was abandoned. Two

years later he was appointed sun-eyor to the im-
mense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business
he spent three years in a rough frontier life,
gaining experience which afterwards proved verj-
essential to him. In 1751, though only nineteen
years of age, he was appointed Adjutant, with the
rank of Major, in the Virginia militia, tlien being
trained for active ser^nce against the French and
Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West
Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there
to re.store his health. They soon returned, and
in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a
large fortune to an infant daughter, who did not
long sur\-ive him. On her demise the estate of
Mt. \"enion was given to George.

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle as Lieu-
tenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia
was reorganized, and the province divided into
four niilitar>- districts, of which the northern was
assigned to Washington as Adjutant-General.
Shortly after this a ver>' perilous mission, which
others had refused, was assigned him and ac-
cepted. This was to proceed to the French po.st
near Lake Erie, in northwestern Pennsylvania.
The distance to be traversed was alxiut six hun-
dred miles. Winter was at hand, and the jr)urney
was to ]jQ made without military escort, through
a territory occupied by Indians. The trip was a
perilous one, and several times he nearly lo.st his
life, but he returned in .safety and furni.shed a full
and useful rep<irt of his expedition. A regiment
of three hundred men was raised in Virginia and
])Ut in conunand of Col. Joshua Frj-, and Maj.
Washington was commissioned Lieutenant-Colo-
nel. Active war was then begun against the
French and Indians, in which Washington took

20

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

a most important part. In the memorable event
of July 9, 1755, known as "Braddock's defeat,"
Washington was almost the only officer of dis-
tinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor.

Having been for five years in the military ser\'-
ice, and having vainly sought promotion in the
royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Ft. Du-
quesne and the expulsion of the French from the
valley of the Ohio to resign his conmiission. Soon
after he entered the Legislature, where, although
not a leader, he took an active and important
part. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha
(Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John
Parke Custis.

When the British Parliament had closed the
port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the
provinces, "The cause ot Bo.ston is the cause of
us all! " It was then, at the suggestion of Vir-
ginia, that a congress of all the colonies was
called to meet at Philadelphia September 5,
1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably
if possible. To this congress Col. Washington
was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the
congress re-assembled, when the hostile inten-
tions of England were plainly apparent. The
battles of Concord and Lexington had been fought,
and among the first acts of this congress was the
election of a commander-in-chief of the Colonial
forces. This high and responsible office was con-
ferred upon Washington, who was still a member
of the congress. He accepted it on June 19, but
upon the express condition that he receive no sal-
ary. He vi'ould keep an exact account of ex-
penses, and expect congress to pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch
to trace the military acts of Washington, to whom
the fortunes and liberties of the people of this
country- were so long confided. The war was
conducted by him under every possible disadvan-
tage; and while his forces often met with reverses,
yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven
years of heroic devotion and matchless .skill he
gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth.
On December 2;^, 1783, Washington, in a parting
address of surpa.ssing beauty, resigned his com-
mis-sion as Commander-in-Chief of the army to the

Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mt. Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning
all connection with public life.

In February, 1789, Washington was unani-
mously elected President, and at the expiration
of his first term he was unanimously re-elected.
At the end of this term many were anxious that he
be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third
nomination. On March 4, 1797, at the expiration
of his second term as President, he returned to his
home, hoping to pass there his few remaining
years free from the annoyances of public life.
Later in the year, however, his repose seemed
likely to be interrupted by war with France. At
the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the army, but he chose his sub-
ordinate officers and left them the charge of mat-
ters in the field, which he superintended from his
home. In accepting the command, he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these prepara-
tions his life was suddenly cut off. December 1 2
he took a .severe cold from a ride in the rain,
which, settling in his throat, produced inflamma-
tion, and terminated fatally on the night of the
14th. On the i8th his body was borne with mili-
tary honors to its final resting-place, and interred
in the family vault at Mt. Vernon.

Of the character of Washington it is impossible
to speak but in terms of the highest respect and
admiration. The more we see of the operations
of our govermnent, and the more deeply we feel
the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common
Interest, the more highly we must estimate the
force of his talent and character, which have been
able to challenge the reverence of all parties,
and principles, and nations, and to win a fame as
extended as tlu Hmits of the globe, and which we
cannot l)ut believe vvill be as lasting as the exi.st-
ence of man.

In person, Washington wus unusually tall, erect
and well proportioned, and his mu.scular strength
was great. His features were of a beausiful sym-
metry. He commanded refspect without any ap-
pearance of haughtiness, and was ever serious
without being dull.

I TILL

,'.ND

mu

JOHN ADAMS.

(TonX ADAMS, the second President and the
I first \'ice- President of the United States, was
C/ born in Braintrce (now Quincj') Mass., and
about ten miles from Boston, October 19, 1735.
His great-grandfather, Henry Adams, emigrated
from England about 1640, with a famih" of eight
sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of
John were John and Susannah (Boylston)
Adams. His father, who was a fanner of limited
means, also engaged in the business of shoe-
making. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical
education at Han-ard College. John graduated
in 1755, and at once took charge of the .school at
Worcester, Mass. This he found but a ' ' school
of affliction," from which he endeavored to gain
relief by devoting himself, in addition, tc the
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town.
He had thought seriously of the clerical profes-
sion, but seems to have been turned from this by
what he termed " the frightful engines of ecclesi-
astical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calvin-
istic good nature, ' ' of the operations of which he
had been a witness in his native town. He was
well fitted for the legal profession, po.ssessing a
clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of
speech, and having (juick perceptive powers. He
gradually gained a practice, and in 1764 married
Abigail Smith, a daughter of a mini.ster, and a
lady of sujierior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, in 1765, the attempt at parliamentary
taxation turned him from law to politics. He
took initial steps toward holding a town meeting,
and the resolutions he offered on the subject be-
came ver>' popular throughout the province, and
were adopted word for word by over forty differ-
ent towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and
became one of the most courageous and promi-
nent advocates of the ]>opular cau.se. and was
chosen a member of the General Court (the Leg-
islature! in 1770.

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first dele-

gates from Massachusetts to the first Continent-
al Congress, which met in 1774. Here he dis-
tinguished himself by his capacity for business
and for debate, and advocated the movement for
independence against the majoritj' of the mem-
bers. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a res-
olution in Congress that the Colonies should
assume the duties of self-govermnent. He was a
prominent member of the committee of five ap-
pointed June 1 1 to prepare a declaration of inde-
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson,
but on Adams devolved the task of battling it
through Congre.'is in a three-days debate.

On the day after the Declaration of Independ-
ence was passed, while his soul was yet warm
with the glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter
to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to
have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy.
"Yesterday," he says, "the greatest question
was decided that ever was debated in America;
and greater, perhaps, never was or will be de-
cided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, 'that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and in-
dependent states.' The day is pas.sed. The
Fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch
in the history of America. I am apt to believe it
will he celebrated by succeeding generations as
the great anniversary festival. It ought to be
commemorated as the day of deliverance by
si)lemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It
ought to be solenniized with pomp, shows, games,
.sports, guns, bells, lx)nfires and illuminations
from one end of the continent to the other, from
this time forward forever. You will think me
tran.sported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I
am well aware of the toil and blood and treas-
ure that it will co.st to maintain this declaration
and support and defend these States; yet. through
all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and
gloiy. I can see that the end is worth more than
all the means, and that posterity will triumph.

24

JOHN ADAMS.

although you and I may rue, which I hope we
shall not."

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed
a delegate to France, and to co-operate with Ben-
jamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then
in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in
arms and money from the French government.
This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it
separated him from his home, compelled him to
cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to
great peril of capture by the British cruisers, who
were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was
again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold him-
self in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and
of commerce with Great Britain, as soon as the
British cabinet might be found willing to listen
to such proposals. He sailed for France in No-
vember, and from there he went to Holland, where
he negotiated important loans and formed im-
portant commercial treaties.

Finally, a treaty of peace with England was
signed, January 21,1 783. The re-action from the
excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr.
Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After
suffering from a contiinted fever and becoming
feeble and emaciated, he was advised to go to
England to drink the waters of Bath. While in
England, still drooping and desponding, he re-
ceived dispatches from his own government urg-
ing the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health
was delicate, yet he inunediatel^' set out, and
through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he
made the trip.

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr.
Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here
he met face to face the King of England, who
had so long regarded him as a traitor. As Eng-
land did not condescend to appoint a minister to
the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he
was accompli.shing but little, he sought permis-
sion to return to his own country-, where he ar-
rived in June, 1788.

When Washington was first chosen President,
John Adams, rendered illustrious by his .signal
services at home and abroad, was chosen \'ice-

President. Again, at the .second election of Wash-
ington as President, Adams was chosen Vice-
Pre.sident. In 1796, Washington retired from
public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President,
though not without much opposition. Ser\-ing
in this office four years, he was succeeded by Mr.
Jefferson, his opponent in politics.

While Mr. Adams was Vice-President the
great French Revolution shook the continent of
Europe, and it was upon this point that he was
at issue with the majority of his countrymen, led
by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy
with the French people in their struggle, for he
had no confidence in their power of self-govern-
ment, and he utterly abhorred the class of atheist
philosophers who, he claimed, caused it. On the
other hand, Jefferson's sympathies were strongly
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence
originated the alienation between these distin-
tinguished men, and the two powerful parties were
thus soon organized, with Adams at the head of
the one whose sympathies were with England,
and Jefferson leading the other in sympathj' with
France.

The Fourth of July, 1826, which completed the
half-century since the signing of the Declaration
of Independence, arrived, and there were but
three of the signers of that immortal instnnuent
left upon the earth to hail its morning light.
And, as it is well known, on that day two of
these finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coinci-
dence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For
a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly
failing, and on the morning of the Fourth he
found himself too weak to rise from his bed. On
being requested to name a toast for the cus-
tomary celebration of the day, he exclaimed
"Independence forever!" When the day was
ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing
of cannons, he was asked by one of his attend-
ants if he knew what day it was ? He replied.
"O yes, it is the glorious Fourth of July — God
liless it — Got! bless you all!" In the course of
the day he said, "It is a great and glorious
day." The last words he uttered were, ' Jeffc
son survives." But he had, at one o'clock,
resigned his spirit into the hands of his God.

ENOX AND

.i-^j.:-; fOUNOATlOMS
'^ L

'^i^/l^

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

"HOMAS JEFFERSON was bom AprU 2,
1743. at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Va.
His parents were Peter and Jane (Ran- ,
dolph j Jefferson, the former a native of Wales, '
and the latter born in London. To them were
bom six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas
was the elder. When fourteen years of age his
father died. He received a most liberal educa-
tion, having been kept diligently at school from 1
the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he
entered William and Mar>' College. Williams-
burg was then the seat of the Colonial court, and
it was the abode of fashion and splendor. Young
Jefferson, who was then seventeen years old, lived
somewhat expen.sively, keeping fine horses, and
going much into gay .society; yet he was ear-
nestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachable in
his morals. In the second year of his college
course, moved by some unexplained impulse, he
discarded his old companions and pursuits, and
often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study.
He thus attained very high intellectual culture,
and a like excellence in philosophy and the lan-
guages.

Immediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the .short time he continued
in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly,
and di.stingui.she<l himself by his energy and
acuteness as a lawyer. Hut the times called for
greater action. The policy of luigland had awak-
ened the .spirit of resistance in the American Col-
onics, and the enlarged views which Jeffer.son had
ever entertained soon led him into active politi-
cal life. In I 769 he was chosen a member of the
Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he mar-

ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful,
wealth}-, and highh- accomplished young widow.

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress,
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he
was placed upon a number of important com-
mittees, and was chairman of the one appointed
for the drawing up of a declaration of independ-
ence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jef-
ferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger
Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson,
as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper.
Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal
changes before it was .suljmitted to Congress. On
June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by
Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4,
1776.

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to
Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia. At one
time the British officer Tarleton sent a secret
expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor.
vScarcely five minutes elap.scd after the hurried
escape of Mr. Jefferson and his family ere his
man.sion was in posse.s.sion of the Brili.sh troops.
His wife's health, never very good, was much
injured by this excitement, and in the summer
of 1782 she died.

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783.
Two years later he was appointed Minister Pkni
potentiarj- to France. Returning to the I'niletl
States in September, 1789, he became Secretar>-
of State in Wa.shington's caliiuet. This jiosition
he resigned Jaiuiary 1, 1794. In 1797, he was
chosen Vice-President, and four years later was
elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron

28

THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Burr as Vice-President. In 1804 he was re-
elected with wonderful unanimitj', George Clin-
ton being elected Vice-President.

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second ad-
ministration was disturbed bj' an event which
threatened the tranquillity and peace of the Union;
this was the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated
in the late election to the Vice-Presidency, and
led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraor-
dinary man formed the plan of a military- ex-
pedition into the Spanish territories on our south-
western frontier, for the purpose of forming there
a new republic. This was generally supposed
to have been a mere pretext; and although it has
not been generally known what his real plans
were, there is no doubt that they were of a far
more dangerous character.

In 1809, at the expiration of the second tenn
for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he de-
termined to retire from political life. For a period
of nearly forty years he had been continually be-
fore the public, and all that time had been em-
ployed in offices of the greatest trust and respon-
sibility. Having thus devoted the best part of
his life to the service of his country, he now felt
desirous of that rest which his declining j-ears re-
quired, and upon the organization of the new ad-
ministration, in March, 1809, he bade farewell for-
ever to public life and retired to Monticello, his
famous country home, which, next to Mt. Vernon,
was the most distinguished residence in the land.

The Fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth an-
niversary of the Declaration of American Inde-
pendence, great preparations were made in every
part of the Union for its celebration as the nation's
jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to
the solemnity of the occasion, invited Mr. Jeffer-
son, as the framer and one of the few surviving
signers of the Declaration, to participate in their
festivities. But an illness, which had been of
several weeks' duration and had been continually
increasing, compelled him to decline the invita-
tion.

On the 2(1 of July the disease under which he
was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants entertained no
hope of his recovery. From this time he was

perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand.
On the next day, which was Monday, he asked
of those around him the day of the month, and
on being told it was the 3d of July, he ex-
pressed the earnest wish that he might be per-
mitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniver-
sary. His prayer was heard — that day whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our
land burst upon his eyes, and then they were
closed forever. And what a noble consummation
of a noble life! To die on that day — the birth-
day of a nation — the day which his own name
and his own act had rendered glorious, to die
amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole
nation, who looked up to him as the author, un-
der God, of their greatest blessings, was all that
was wanting to fill up the record of his life.

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin-
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear
him company, left the sceneof his earthly honors.
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the cham-
pions of freedom; hand in hand, during the dark
and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they
had cheered and animated their desponding coim-
trymen; for half a century they had labored to-
gether for the good of the countrj-, and now hand
in hand they departed. In their lives they had
been united in the same great cause of liberty,
and in their deaths they were not divided.

In per.son Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair, originallj- red, in after life be-
came white and silvery, his complexion was fair,
his forehead broad, and his whole countenance
intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great
fortitude of mind as well as personal courage, and
his command of temper was such that his oldest
and mo.st intimate friends never recollected to
have seen him in a passion. His manners, though
dignified, were .simple and unaffected, and his
ho.spitality was so imbounded that all found at
his house a ready welcome. In conversation he
was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic, and his
language was remarkablj- pure and correct. He
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writ-
ings is discernible the care with which he formed
his stj-le upon the best models of antiquity.

^*^

Ja^t^c^^ ,c^ Ai^^^^^ CTK,

JAMES MADISON.

(Tames MADISON, "Father of the Consti-

I tutioii," and fourth President of the United
Q) States, was born March i6, 1757, and died
at his home in Virginia June 28, 1836. The
name of James Madison is inseparably connected
with most of the important events in that heroic
period of our countrj- during which the founda-
tions of this great repubhc were laid. He was
the last of the founders of the Constitution of the
United States to be called to his eternal reward.

The Madison family were among the early emi-
grants to the New World, landing upon the shores
of the Chesapeake but fifteen years after tlie settle-
ment of Jamestown. The father of James Madison
was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine
estate called Montpelier, in Orange County, Va.
It was but twenty-five miles from the home of Jef-
ferson at Monticello, and the clo.sest personal and
political attachment existed between these illustri-
ous men from their earlj- youth until death.

The early education of Mr. Madison was con-
ducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At
the age of eighteen he was sent to Princeton Col-
lege, in New Jersey. Here he applied himself to
.study with the most imprudent zeal, allowing liim-
.self for months but three hours' .sleep out of the
twenty-four. His health thus became .so seriou.sly
impaired that he never recovered any vigor of
constitution. He graduated in 1771, with a feeble
body, but with a character of utmost purity, and
a mind highly disciplined and richly .stored with
learning, which embellished and gave efficiency
to his subsequent career.

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study I
of law and a course of extensive and systematic
reading. This educational course, the spirit of
the times in which lie lived, and the society with '
which he a.s.sociated, all combined to inspire him
with .T strong love of lil)erty, and to train him for
his life-work as a statesman.

In the spring of 1776. when twenty-six years of

age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Con-
vention to frame the constitution of the State. The
next year (1777), he was a candidate for the Gen-
eral Assembly. He refused to treat the whi.sky-lov-
ing voters, and consequently lost his election; but
those who had witne.s.sed the talent, energy and
public spirit of the modest young man enlisted
themselves in his behalf, and he was appointed to
the Executive Council.

Hoth Patrick Henrj- and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison re-
mained member of the Council, and their apprecia-
tion of his intellectual, social and moral worth
contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence.
In the year 1780 he was elected a member of the
Continental Congress. Here he met the most il-
lustrious men in our land, and he was immediately
assigned to one ot the most conspicuous positions
among them. For three years he a^ntinued in Con-
gress, one of its most active and influential mem-
lx.'rs. In 1784, his tenn having expired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia I^egi-slature.

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no
national government, and no power to form trea-
ties which would be binding, or to enforce law.
There was not any State more prominent than
Virginia in the declaration that an efficient na-
tional government must be formed. In January,
1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through
the General A.s,sembly of \'irginia, inviting the
other States to appoint commissioners to meet in
convention at Annapolis to di.scu.ss this subject.
Five States only were represented. Tlic conven-
tion, however, issued another call, drawn up by
Mr. Madison, urging all tlie States to send their
delegates to P]iiladel])hia in May, 1787, to draft
a Con.stitution for the United States, to take the
place of the Confederate League. The delegates
met at the time appointed. Ever>' State but
Rhode Island was representee!. Ticorp-e Washing-

32

JAMES MADISON.

toil was chosen president of the convention, and the
present Constitution of the United States was then
and there formed. There was, perliaps, no mind
and no pen more active in framing this immortal
document than the mind and the pen of James
Madison.

The Constitution, adopted by a vote of eighty-one
to seventy-nine, was to be presented to the several
States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was
felt. Should it be rejected, we should be left but a
.'onglomeration of independent States, with but
little power at home and little respect abroad. Mr.
Madison was elected by the convention to draw up
an address to the people of the United States, ex-
pounding the principles of the Constitution, and
urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at first, but at length it triumphed over all,
and went into eifect in 1789.

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre-
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became
the avowedleader of the Republican part)-. While
in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs.
Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fas-
cination, whom he married. She was in person
and character queenly, and probaby no lady has
thus far occupied so prominent a position in the
ver)' peculiar society' which has constituted our
republican court as did Mrs. Madison.

Mr. Madi.son .sen-ed as Secretary of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
was chosen President. At this time the encroach-
ments of England had brought us to the verge of
war. Briti.sh orders in council destroyed our com-
merce, and our flag was exposed to constant insult.
Mr. Madison was a man of pteace. Scholarly in
his taste, retiring in his disposition, war had no
charms for him. But the meekest .spirit can be
roused. It makes one's blood boil, even now, to
think of an American ship brought to upon the
ocean by the guns of an English cruiser. A
young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crew to be paraded before him. With great non-
chalance he selects any number wliom he may
please to designate as British subjects, orders them
down the ship's side into his boat, and places them
on the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by
compulsion, the battles of England. This right

of search and impressment no efforts of our Gov-
ernment could induce the British cabinet to re-
linquish.

On the 1 8th of June, 181 2, President Madison
gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring
war again.st Great Britain. Notwithstanding the
bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the
country in general approved; and Mr. Madison,
on the 4th of March, 1813, was re-elected by a
large majority, and entered upon his second term
of office. This is not the place to describe the
various adventures of this war on the land and on
the water. Our infant navy then laid the found-
ations of its renown in grappling with the most
formidable power which e\er swept the seas. The
contest commenced in earnest by the appearance
of a British fleet, early in Febmarj-, 18 13, in
Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast
of the United States under blockade.

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as
mediator. America accepted; England refused.
A British force of five thousand men landed on the
banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into
Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, b\- way of
Bladensburg, upon Washington.

The straggling little city of Washington was
thrown into con.sternalion. The cannon of the
brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the
streets of the metropolis. The whole population
fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs.
Madison in the White House, with her carriage
drawn up at the door to await his sjieedy return,
hurried to meet the officers in a council of war.
He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not
go back without danger of being captured. But
few hours elapsed ere the Presidential .Mansion,
the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Wash-
ington were in flames.

The war closed after two years of fighting, and
on Februan- 13, 181 5, the treaty of peace was
signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 18 17, his
second term of office expired, and he resigned the
Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe.
He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelicr, and
there passed the remainder of his days. On June
28, 1836, at the age of eighty-five years, he fell
asleep in death. Mrs. Madison died July 12, 1849.

T Vf

ONV X0N3T 'aoXSV

^-z--^-^ /^^-^^

^.^^^2^

JAMES MONROE.

(TAMfiS MONROE, the fifth President of the
I Uiiiled States, was born in Westmoreland
C) County, Va., April 28, 1758. His early life
was passed at the place of his nativity. His an-
cestors liad for nianj- years resided in the province
in which he was bora. When he was seventeen
years old, and in process of compJeting his educa-
tion at William and Marj- College, the Colonial
Congress, assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate
upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great
Britain, declared the .separation of the Colonies,
and promulgated the Declaration of Independence.
Had he been born ten years before, it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the
signers of that celebrated instrument. At this
time he left school and enlisted among the pa-
triots.

He joined the army when everjthing looked
hopeless and gloomy. The number of deserters
increased from day to day. The invading armies
came pouring in, and the Tories not only favored
the cause of the mother countrj', but disheartened
the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified
at the prospect of contending with an enemy
whom they had been taught to deem invincible.
To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went
right onward undismayed through difficulty and
danger, the United States owe their political
emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks
and espon.sed the cause of his injured countrj-,
with a firm determination to live or die in her
strife for liberty. Firmlj-, yet sadly, he shared in
the melancholy retreat from Harlem Heights
and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited
army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey.
In four months after the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, the patriots had been beaten in seven
battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the van-
guard, and in the act of charging upon the enemy
he received a wound in the left shoulder.

As a reward for his braverj-, Mr. Monroe was
promoted to be captain of infantry, and, having re-
covered from his wounds, he rejoined the army.
He, however, receded from the line of promotion
by becoming an officer on the staff of Lord Ster-
ling. During the campaigns of 1777 and 1778,
in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and
Monmouth, he continued aide-de-camp; but be-
coming desirous to regain his position in the
army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for
the Virginia line. This .scheme failed, owing to
the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this
failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued with consid-
erable ardor the study of connnon law. He did
not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for
the green bag, but on the invasion of the enemy
ser\-ed as a volunteer during the two j-eafs of his
legal pursuits.

In 1782 lie was elected from King George
County a member of the Legislature of \'irginia,
and by that bod\- he was ele\'ated to a seat in the
Executive Council. He was thus honored with
the confidence of his fellow-citizens at twenty-
three years of age, and having at this early period
displayed .some of that ability and aptitude foi'
legislation which were afterward employed with
unremitting energy for the public good, he was
in the succeeding year chosen a member of the
Congress of the I'nited States.

Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of
the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new
Con.stitution, thinking, with many others of the
Republican party, that it gave too much power to
the Central Government, and not enough to the
individual States. Still he retained the esteem
of his friends who were its warm supporters, and
who, notwithstanding his opposition, secured its
adoption. In 1789 he liccame a inemlxT <>f the
United States Senate, which office he held for

36

JAMES MONROE.

four years. Every month the line of distinction
between the two great parties which divided tlie
nation, the Federal and the Republican, was
growing more distinct. The differences which
now separated them lay in the fact that the Repub-
lican partj' was in sympathj- with France, and
also in favor of such a strict construction of the
Constitution as to give the Central Government as
little power, and the State Governmtnts as much
power, as the Constitution would warrant; while
the Federalists sympathized with England, and
were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con-
stitution, which would give as much power to the
Central Government as that document could pos-
sibly authorize.

Washington was then President. England had
espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the
principles of the French Revolution. All Europe
was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and
far away. Washington i.ssued a proclamation of
neutrality between these contending powers.
France had helped us in the struggles for our
liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now
combined to prevent the French from escaping
from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that
which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more mag-
nanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a gener-
ous and noble nature, and Wa.shington, who could
appreciate such a character, showed his calm, se-
rene, almost divine, greatness, by appointing that
very James Monroe who was denouncing the pol-
icy of the Government, as the minister of that
Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by the National Conven-
tion in France with the most enthusiastic dem-
onstration.

Shortly after his return to this countrj', Mr.
Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and
held the office for three years. He was again
sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Liv-
ingston in obtaining the vast territory then known
as the province of Louisiana, which France had
but .shortly before obtained from Spain. Their
united efforts were successful. For the compara-
tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the

entire territory of Orleans and district of Loui-
siana were added to the United States. This was
probably the largest transfer of real estate which
was ever made in all the history of the world.

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to
obtain from that coinitry some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against
those odious impressments of our seamen. But
England was unrelenting. He again returned to
England on the same mission, but could receive
no redress. He returned to his home and was
again chosen Governor of Mrginia. This he .soon
resigned to accept the position of Secretary' of
State under Madison. While in this office war
with England was declared, the Secretary of War
resigned, and during these trjing times the
duties of the War Department were also put upon
him. He was truly the armor-bearer of President
Madison, and the most efficient business man in
his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he re-
signed the Department of War, but continued in
the office of Secretary of State until the expira-
tion of Mr. Madison's admini.stration. At the
election held the previous autumn, Mr. Monroe
himself had been chosen President with but little
opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, he was in-
augurated. Four years later he was elected for
a second tenn.

Among the important measures of his Presi-
dency were the cession of Florida to the United
States, the Missouri Compromise, and the famous
" Monroe doctrine." This doctrine was enun-
ciated by him in 1823, aud was as follows: " That
we should consider any attempt on the part of
Eurojiean powers to extend their system to any
portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our
peace and safety," and that " we could not view
any interpo.sition for the puqio.se of oppressing or
controlling American govennnents or provinces
in any other light tlian as a manifestation by
European powers of an unfriendly disposition
toward the United States."

At the end of his second term, Mr. Monroe re-
tired to his home in Virginia, where he lived un-
til 1S30, when he went to New York to live with
his son-in-law. In that city he died, on the 4th
of July, 1831.

j, S, cAtomvJ

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

(lOHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President

I of the United States, was born in the rural
Q) home of his honored father, John Adams, in
Quincy, Mass., on the nth of July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over
his childhood during the almost con.stant ab-
sence of his father. When but eight years of
age, he .stood with his mother on an eminence,
listening to the booming of the great battle on
Bunker's Hill, and gazing out upon the smoke
and flames billowing up from the conflagration of
Charle.stown.

When but eleven years old he took a tearful
adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Eu-
rope, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers.
The bright, animated boy spent a year and a-half
in Paris, where his father was associated with
Franklin and Lee as Minister Plenipotentiary.
His intelligence attracted the notice of these dis-
tinguished men, and he received from them flat-
tering marks of attention.

John Adams had scarcely returned to this
countrj', in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad.
Again John Quincy accompanied his father. At
Paris he applied him.self to study with great dil-
igence for six months, and then accompanied his
father to Holland, where he entered first a school
in Amsterdam, then the University at Leyden.
About a year from this time, in 1781, when the
manly boy was but fourteen years of age, he was
selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Rus-
sian court, as his private .secretary.

In this .school of ince.s.sant labor and of ennobl-
ing culture he spent fourteen months, and then
returned to Holland, through vSweden, Deiunark,
Hamburg and Bremen. Tiiis long journey he
took alone in the winter, when in his sixteenth
year. Again he resumed his .studies, tuider a pri-
vate tutor, at The Hagxie. Then, in the .spring of
1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, travel-
ing leisurely, and forming acquaintances with the
most distinguished men on the continent, examin-

ing architectural remains, galleries of paintings,
and all renowned works of art. At Paris ht
again became associated with the mo.st illustrious
men of all lands in the contemplation of the
loftiest temporal themes which can engross the
human mind. After a short visit to England he
returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies
to study until May, 1785, when he returned to
America to finish his education.

Upon leaving Har\ard College at the age of
twenty, he .studied law for three years. In jMue,
1794, being then but twenty-seven years of age,
he was appointed by Washington Resident Min-
ister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in
July, he reached London in October, where he
was immediately admitted to the deliberations oJ
Me.ssrs. Jay & Piiickney, a.ssisting them in ni'-go-
tiating a commercial treaty with Great Britain.
After thus spending a fortnight in London, he
proceeded to The Hagtie.

In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Por-
tugal as Minister Plenipotentiar>-. On his way to
Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with
despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but
requesting him to remain in London until he
should receive his instructions. While wailing
he was married to an American lady, to whom he
had Ijeen previously engaged — Miss Louisa Cath-
erine Johnson, a daughter of Joshua John.son,
American Consul in I.^md<)n. and a lady en-
dowed with that beauty and those accomplish-
ments which eminently fitted her to move in the
elevated .sphere for which she was destine<l. He
reached Berlin with his wife in NovemlK-r. 1797.
where he remained until July, 1799, when, hav-
ing fulfilled all the jniriToses of his mission, he .so
licited his recall.

Soon after his return, in iSo.:, he w:is chosen
to the Senate of Ma.s.s;icluisetts from Boston, and
then was elected Senator of the Unite<l States for
six years, from the 4th of March. 1S04. His rep-
utation, his ability and his experience placed

4°

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

him immediately among the most prominent and
influential members of that body.

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the
Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated
John Quincy Adams Minister to St. Petersburgh.
Resigning his professorship in Harvard Col-
lege, he embarked at Boston in August, 1809.

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense
student. He devoted his attention to the lan-
guage and histor>' of Russia; to the Chinese trade;
to the European system of weights, measures and
coins; to the climate and astronomical observ^a-
tions; while he kept up a familiar acquaintance
with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the
universities of Europe, a more accomplished
scholar could scarcely be found. All through
life the Bible con.stituted an important part of his
studies. It was his rule to read five chapters
every day.

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took
the Presidential chair, and immediately appointed
Mr. Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of
his numerous friends in public and private life in
Europe, he sailed in June, 1S19, for the United
States. On the i8th of August, he again crossed
the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the
eight years of Mr. Monroe's administration, Mr.
Adams continued Secretary- of State.

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's
second term of office, new candidates began to be
presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr.
Adams brought forward his name. It was an
exciting campaign, and party spirit was never
more bitter. Two hundred and sixty electoral
votes were cast. Andrew Jackson received ninety-
nine; John Quincy Adams eighty-four; William
H. Crawford forty-one; and Henry Clay thirty-
seven. As there was no choice by the people,
the question went to the House of Representa-
tives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to
Mr. Adams, and he was elected.

The friends of all the disappointed candidates
now combined in a venomous and persistent as-
sault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more
di.sgraceful in the past history of our country- than
the abu.se which was poured in one uninterrupted
stream upon this high-minded, upright and pa-

triotic man. There never was an administration
more pure in principles, more conscientiously de-
voted to the best interests of the country, than
that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps,
was there an administration more unscrupulously
and outrageously a.ssailed.

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by An-
drew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected
Vice-President. The slavery question now be-
gan to a.ssume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams
returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he
pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not
long permitted to remain in retirement. In No-
vember, 1830, he was elected Representative in
Congress. For seventeen years, or until his death,
he occupied the post as Representative, towering
above all his peers, ever ready to do brave battle
for freedom, and winning the title of ' 'the Old
Man Eloquent." Upon taking his seat in the
House, he announced that he should hold him-
self bound to no party. Probably there never
was a member more devoted to his duties. He
was usually the first in his place in the morning,
and the last to leave his seat in the evening.
Not a measure could be brought forward and es-
cape his scrutiny. The battle which Mr. Adams
fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery
party in the Government was sublime in its
moral daring and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slaverj-,
he was threatened with indictment by the grand
jury, with expulsion from the House, with assas-
sination; but no threats could intimidate him, and
his final triumph was complete.

On the 2i.st of February, 1848, he rose on the
floor of Congress with a paper in his hand, to
address the speaker. Suddenl}- he fell, again
stricken by paralysis, and was caught in the arms
of those around him. For a time he was sense-
less, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the ro-
tunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened
his eyes, looked calmly around and said "This
is the end of earth;" then after a moment's pause
he added, " I am content." These were the last
words of the grand ' ' Old Man Eloquent. ' '

ANDREW JACKSON.

(31 NDREW JACKSON, the seventh President
lJ of the United States, was boru in Waxhaw
l\ settlement, N. C, March 15, 1767, a few-
days after his father's death. His parents were
poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their
abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived
in deepest poverty.

Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called,
grew up a ver>- rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his fonn ungainly, and there
was but very little in his character made visible
which was attractive.

When only thirteen years old he joined the
volunteers of Carojina against the British invasion.
In 1 78 1, he and his brother Robert were captured
and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British
officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered
lx)ots. "lam a prisoner of war, not your serv-
ant," was the reply of the dauntless boy.

Andrew supported himself in various ways, such
as working at the saddler's trade, teaching school,
and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when
he entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He,
however, gave more attention to the wild amuse-
ments of the times than to his studies. In 1788,
he was appointed solicitor for the Western District
of North Carolina, of which Tennes.see was then
a part. This involved many long journeys amid
dangers of every kind, but Andrew Jackson never
knew fear, and the Indians had no de.sire to re-
peat a skirmish with "vSharp Knife."

In 1 791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman
who supjwsed herself divorced from her former
husband. Great was the surprise of both parties,
two years later, to find that the conditions of the
divorce had just lieen definitely settled by the
first husband. The marriage ceremony was per-
fonned a second time, but the occurrence was
often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson
into disfavor.

In January, 1796, the Territory' of Tennessee
then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabi-
tants, the people met in convention at Knoxville
to frame a constitution. Five were sent from
each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson
was one of the delegates. The new State was
entitled to but one memlxrr in the National House
of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen
that member. Mounting his horse, he rode to
Philadelphia, where Congress then held its ses-
sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles.

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo-
cratic party, and Jefferson was his idol. He ad-
mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated Eng-
land. As Mr. Jackson took his seat. Gen. Wash-
ington, whose second term of office was then
expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress.
A committee drew up a complimentar)- address in
reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the
address, and was one of the twelve who voted
against it. He was not willing to say that Gen.
Washington's administration had been "wise,
firm and patriotic."

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States
Senate in 1797. but soon resigned and returned
home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the
Supreme Court of his State, which position he
held for six years.

When the War of 1812 with Great Britain com-
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent woril to the President that there
was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jack-
son, who would do credit to a commission if one
were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen.
Jackson offered his services and tho.se of twenty-
five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted,
and tlie troops were a.sscnihled at Nashville

As the British were hourly expected t<> make
an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wil-
kinson was in command, he was ordered to dc-

44

ANDREW JACKSON.

scend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid
Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez,
and after a delay of several weeks there without
accomplishing anything, the men were ordered
back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jack-
son had displayed, and his entire devotion to the
comfort of his soldiers, won for him golden opin-
ions, and he became the most popular man in the
State. It was in this expedition that his tough-
ness gave him the nickname of "Old Hickory."

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip
Col. Thomas Benton for a remark that gentleman
made about his taking part as second in a duel
in which a younger brother of Benton's was en-
gaged, he received two severe pistol wounds.
While he was lingering upon a bed of suffering,
news came that the Indians, who had combined
under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes to ex-
terminate the white settlers, were committing the
most awful ravages. Decisive action became nec-
essary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone
ju.st beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and
unable to mount his horse without assistance,
gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at Fa\-ettesville, Ala.

The Creek Indians had established a strong
fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River,
near the center of Alabama, about fift\' miles be-
low Ft. Strother. With an armj- of two thousand
men, Gen. Jack.son traversed the pathless wilder-
ness in a march of eleven days. He reached their
fort, called Toliopeka or Horse-.shoe, on the 27tli
of March, 1814. The bend of the river enclosed
nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and
wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians
had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs
and bnish. Here nine hundred warriors, with
an ample supply of anns, were assembled.

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly
desperate. Not an Indian would accept quarter.
When bleeding and dying, they would fight those
who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten
in the morning until dark the battle raged. The
carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw '
themselves into the river; but the unerring bul- '
lets struck their heads as they swam. Nearly
every one of the nine hundred warriors was I

killed. A few, probably, in the night swam
the river and escaped. This ended the war.

This closing of the Creek War enabled us to
concentrate all our militia upon the British, who
were the allies of the Indians. No man of le.ss
resolute will than Gen. Jack.son could have con-
ducted this Indian campaign to so successful an
issue. Immediately he was appointed Major-
General.

Late in August, with an army of two thousand
men on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson went to
Mobile. A British fleet went from Pensacola,
landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the
little fort, and from both ship and shore com-
menced a furious assault. The battle was long
and doubtful. At length one of the ships was
blown up and the rest retired.

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his
little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
and the battle of New Orleans, which .soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This
won for Gen. Jack.son an imperishalile name.
Here his troops, which numbered about four
thousand men, won a signal victory over the
British army of about nine thousand. His loss
was but thirteen, while the loss of the British was
twenty-six hundred.

The name of Gen. Jackson .soon began to be
mentioned in connection with the Bresideucy,
but in 1S24 he was defeated by Mr. Adams.
He was, however, successful in the election of
1828, and was re-elected for a second term in
1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins
of government, he met with the most terrible
affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom
he had loved with a devotion \vhich has perhaps
never been surpassed. From the shock of her
death he never recovered.

His administration was one of the most mem-
orable in the annals of our country — applauded
bj' one party, conilemned by the other. No man
had more bitter enemies or wanner friends. At
the expiration of liis two terms of office he retired
tothe Hermitage, where he diedJinicS, 1845. The
last years of Mr. Jackson's life were those of a de-
voted Christian man.

O > >^^ i-^L^ Ut^e^t,,:^

MARTIN VAN BUREN.

y^ ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth Presi-
y dent of the I'nited States, was burn at Kin-
(O derhook, N. V., December 5, 1782. He
died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body
rests ill the cemetery at Kinderhook. Above it is
a plain granite shaft, fifteen feet high, bearing a
simple inscription about half-way up on one face.
The lot is unfeiiced, unbordered or unbounded
by shrub or flower.

There is but little in the life of Martin Van
Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles,
engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life
was stonny in political and intellectual conflicts, '
and he gained many signal victories, his dajs
pa.ssed uneventful in tliose incidents which give
ze.st to biography. His ancestors, as his name indi-
cates, were of Dutch origin, and were aiiu)ng the
earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of
the Hud.son. His father was a fanner, residing
in the old town of Kinderhwjk. His mother, also
of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel-
ligence and exemplary piety.

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing
mnisual activity, vigor and .strength of mind. At
tlie age of fourteen, he had finished his academic
studies in liis native village, and commenced the
study of law. As he had not a collegiate educa-
tion, seven years of .study in a law-()fl[ice were re-
f|uired of him before he could l)c admitted to the
Bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and con-
scious of his powers, he pursued his studies with
indefatigable indu.str>-. After sjK'nding si.\ years
in an office in his native village, he \»'ent to the city
of New York, and prosecuted his .studies for the
seventh vear.

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty -one years

of age, commenced the practice of law in his na-
tive village. The great conflict between the Federal
and Republican parties was then at its height.
Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politi-
cian. He had, perhaps, imbibed that .spirit while
j listening to the many discu.ssions which had been
carried on in his father's hotel. He was in cordial
sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and elo-
quently espoused the cause of State Rights, though
at that time the Federal party held the supremacy
both ill his town and State.

His success and increasing reputation led him
' after six years of practice to remove to Hud.son,
the county seat of his county. Here he .siient
seven years, constantly gaining strength by con-
tending in the courts with some of the ablest men
who have adorned the Bar of his State.

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hud.son, Mr.
Van Buren married a lady alike distingui.slied for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, a victim of con-
sumption, leaving her husband and four sons to
weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr.
Van Buren was an earnest, successful, a.ssiduous
lawyer. The record of those years is barren in
items of public interest. In 1812. when thirty
years of age, he was chosen to the Stale Senate,
and gave his .strenuous support to Mr. Madi.son's
administration. In 1.H15, he was api>oinled At-
torney-General, and the next year moved to Al
hany, the capital of the State.

While he was acknowledged as one of the most
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he hail
the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not require that "univer.sal suffrage" which admit---
the vile, the degraded, tlie ignorant, to the right

48

MARTIN VAN BUREN.

of governing the State. In true consistency with
his democratic principles, he contended that, while
the path leading to the privilege of voting should
be open to everj- man without distinction, no one
should be invested with that sacred prerogative
unless he were in some degree qualified for it by
intelligence, virtue, and some propertj^ interests in
the welfare of the State.

In 1 82 1 he was elected a member of the United
States Senate, and in the same year he took a
seat in the convention to revise the Constitution of
his native State. His course in this convention
secured the approval of men of all parties. No
one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to
promote the interests of all classes in the com-
munity. In the Senate of the United States, he
rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active
and useful legislator.

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected
to the Senate. He had been from the beginning
a determined opposer of the administration, adopt-
ing the "State Rights" view in opposition to what
was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governor
of the State of New York, and accordingly resigned
his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the
United States contributed .so much towards eject-
ing John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair,
and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin
Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation
or not, he certainly was regarded throughout the
United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious
and cunning of politicians. It was supposed that
no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret
springs of action, how to pull all the wires to
put his machinery in motion, and how to organize
a political army which would secretly and stealth-
ily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these
powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr.
Clay, and Mr. Webster, and secured results which
.ew then thought could be accomplished.

When Andrew Jackson was elected President
he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretarj' of State.
This position he resigned in 1831, and was im-
mediately appointed Minister to England, where
he went the same autumn. The Senate, however.

when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and
he returned home, apparently untroubled. Later
he was nominated Vice-President in the place of
Calhoim, at the re-election of President Jackson,
and with smiles for all and frowns for none, he
took his place at the head of that Senate which had
refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador.

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal
of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated
favorite; and this, probablj", more than any other
cau.se .secured his elevation to the chair of the
Chief Executive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr.
Van Buren received the Democratic nomination
to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United
States. He was elected b^- a handsome majority,
to the delight of the retiring President. ' 'Leaving
New York out of the canvass," says Mr. Parton,
"the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency
was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though
the Constitution had conferred upon him the power
to appoint a successor. ' '

His administration was filled with exciting
events. The insurrection in Canada, which
threatened to involve this country in war with
England, the agitation of the slavery question,
and finally the great commercial panic which
.spread over the country, all were trials of his wis-
dom. The financial distress was attributed to
the management of the Democratic part}-, and
brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re-election, and on the 4th of March,
1841, he retired from the presidency.

With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats in 1S48,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of
frugal habits, and, living within his income, had
now fortunately a competence for his declining
years. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, he
still exerted a powerfiil influence upon the politics
of the country'. From this time until his death,
on the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty
years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of
leisure, of culture and wealth, enjoying in a
healthy old age probably far more happiness than
Ik- had before experienced amid the stormy scenes
of his active life.

^W^. /f- /f^;i^iyy.^<^cn^~^

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

IILUAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth
Piesident of the United States, was born
at Berkeley, Va., February 9, 1773. His
father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively
opulent circumstances, and was one of the most
distinguished men of his day. He was an inti-
mate friend of George Washington, was early
elected a member of the Continental Congress,
and was conspicuous among the patriots of Vir-
ginia in resisting the encroachments of the British
crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Ben-
jamin Harri.son and John Hancock were both
candidates for the office of Speaker.

Mr. Harrison was subsequently chosen Gov-
ernor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His
son William Henr>-, of course, enjoyed in child-
hood all the advantages which wealth and intel-
lectual and cultivated society could give. Hav-
ing received a thorough common-school educa-
tion, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where
lie graduated with honor soon after tlic death of
his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to
.study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Ru.sh
and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of
whom were, with his fatlier, signers of the Dec-
laration of Independence.

Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and
notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends,
he abandoned his medical studies and entered the
army, having obtained a conimi.ssion as Ivnsign
from President Washington. He was then but
nineteen years old. From that time he passed
gradually upward in rank until he l)ccame aide
to Gen. Wayne, after who.se death he resigned
liis conunission. He was then appointed Secre-
tar>- of tlie Nortliwcstern Territory. This Terri-
torj- was then uilillol to but one member in Con-

gress, and Harrison was chosen to fill that position.
In the spring of 1800 the Northwestern Terri-
tory was di\ided by Congress into two portions.
The eastern portion, comprising the region now
embraced in the State of Ohio, was called "The
Territory northwest of the Ohio." The western
portion, which included what is now called Indi-
ana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called "the Indi-
ana Territory'." William Henry Harri.son, then
twenty-seven years of age, was appointed by John
Adams Governor of the Indiana Territorj-, and
immediately after also Governor of l'j>i)er Loui-
siana. He was thus ruler over almost as exten-
sive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe.
He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and
was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over
the then rapidly increasing white population. The
ability and fidelity with which he discharged
these responsible duties may be inferred from the
fact that he was four times appointed to this
office — first by John Adams, twice by Thomas
Jefferson, and afterwards by President Madison.

When he began his administration there were
but three white settlements in that almost iKiund-
le.ss region, now crowded with cities and resound-
ing with all the tumult of wealth and traffic.
One of these .settlements was on the Ohio, nearly
opposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the
Wabash; and the third was a French settlement.

The vast wilderness over wliicli Gov. Harrison
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians.
About the year 1806, two extraordinary men,
twin brothers of the Shawnee trilx?, mse among
them. One of these was called Tecuniseh, or
"the Crouching Panther;" the other OUiwa-
checa, or "the Prophet." Tecumseh was no'
only au Indian warri«ii , but a man of grcsl sagac

52

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

ity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perse-
verance in any enterprise in which he might en-
gage. His brother, the Prophet, was an orator,
who could sway the feelings of the untutored In-
dians as the gale to.ssed the tree-tops beneath
which thej- dwelt. With an enthusiasm unsur-
passed bj' Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the
crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming
that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit.

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to con-
ciliate the Indians, but at last war came, and at
Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great
slaughter. October 28, 1812, his army began its
march. When near the Prophet's town, three
Indians of rank made their appearance and in-
quired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them
in so hostile an attitude. After a short confer-
ence, arrangements were made for a meeting the
next day to agree upon terms of peace.

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted
with the Indian character to be deceived by such
protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his
night's encampment, he took every precaution
against surprise. His troops were posted in a
hollow square and slept upon their arms. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock
in the morning, had risen, and was sitting
in conversation with his aides by the embers
of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning,
with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the In-
dians had crept as near as possible, and just then,
with a savage yell, rushed, with all the despera-
tion which superstition and passion most highly
inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the
little army. The savages had been amply pro-
vided with guns and ammunition by the English,
and their war-whoop was accompanied by a
shower of bullets.

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as
the light aided the Indians in their aim, and
Gen. Harrison's troops stood as immovable as
the rocks around them until day dawned, when
they made a simultaneous charge with the bayo-
net and swept everything before them, completely
routing the foe.

Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmo.st. The British, descending from the

Canadas, were of themselves a very formidable
force, but with their savage allies rushing like
wolves from the forest, burning, plundering, scalp-
ing, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into
a .state of consternation which even the most vivid
imagination can but faintly conceive. Gen. Hull
had made an ignominious surrender of his forces at
Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances.
Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madi-
son Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern
Army, with orders to retake Detroit and to protect
the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man
in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity
and courage, but he was found equal to the
position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet
all the responsibilities.

In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member
of the National House of Representatives, to rep-
resent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved
an active member, and whenever he sjx)ke it was
with a force of reason and power of eloquence
which arrested the attention of all the members.

In 18 19, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio, and in 1 824, as one of the Presidential Elec-
tors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry-
Clay. The same year he was chosen to the Uni-
ted States Senate. In 1836 his friends brought
him forward as a candidate for the Presidency
against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the
close of Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nom-
inated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unani-
mously nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler
for the Vice-Presidency. The contest was verj-
animated. Gen. Jackson gave all liis influence to
prevent Harrison's election, but his triumph was
signal.

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Web-
ster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of
the most brilliant with which any President had
ever been surrounded. Never were the prosjjects
of an administration more flattering, or the hopes
of the country more .sanguine. In the midst of
these bright and joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison
was seized by a pleurisy-fever, and after a few
days of violent sickness died, on tlie 4th of April,
just one month afler his inauguration as President
of the United States.

ff"iyrL

JOHN TYLER.

nOHN TYLER, the tenth President of the
I United States, and was bom in Charles
Q) City County, Va., March 29, 1790. He was
the favored child of afSuence and high social po-
sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered
William and Mary College, and graduated with
much honor when but seventeen years old. After
graduating, he devoted himself with great assi-
duity to the study of law, partly with his father
and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the
most distinguished lawyers of Virginia.

At nineteen years of age, he commenced the
practice of law. His success was rapid and as-
tonishing. It is said that three months had not
elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the
docket of the court in which he was not retained.
When but twenty-one years of age, he was almost
unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legis-
lature. He connected himself with the Demo-
cratic party, and wannly advocated the measures
of Jefferson and Madi.son. For five successive
years he was electe<l to the Legislature, receiving
nearly the unanimous vote of his county.

When but twenty-six years of age, he was
elected a Member of Congress. Here he acted ear-
nestly and ably with the Democratic party, oppKJS-
ing a national bank, internal improvements by
the General Government, and a protective tariff;
advocating a strict con.struction of the Constitu-
tion and the most careful vigilance over State
rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous
that before the close of his second term he found
it necessarv- to resign and retire to his estate in
Charles City County to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in
the State I^gi.slature. where hi.S influence was
powerful in promoting public works of great
utility. With a reputation thus constantly in-
creasing, lie was chosen by a very large m.ijority
of votes Governor of his native State. His ad-
ministration was a signally successful one, and his
popularity secured his re-election.

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of
the United States. A portion of the Democratic
party was displeased with Mr. Randolph's way-
ward course, and brought forward John Tyler as
his opponent, considering him the only man in
Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed
against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr.
Tyler was the victor.

In accordance with his professions, upon tak-
ing his seat in the Senate he joined the ranks of
the opposition. He opposed the tariff, and spoke
against and voted against the bank as unconsti-
tutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions
upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal im-
provements by the General Government, and
avowed his .sympathy with Mr. Calhoun's view
of inillification; he declared that Gen. Jackson,
by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned
the principles of the Democratic party. Such
was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress — a record in
perfect accordance with the principles which he
had always avowed.

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice
of his profession. There was a split in the Demo-
cratic party. His friends still regarded him as a
true Jcffersonian. gave him a dinner, and show-
ered compliments upon him. He had now at-
tained the age of forty-six, and his career had been
ver\- brilliant. In consequetice of his devotion to
public business, his private affairs had fallen into
some di.sorder, and it was not without satisfac-
tion that he resumed ihe practice of law, and de-
voted himself to the cultivation of his plantation.
Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for
the better educition of his children, and he again
took his seat in the Legi.slature of Viigini.i

By the southern Whigs he was sent to the
national convention ,it Harrisburg in 1S39 to nom-
inate a President. The majority of voles were
given to Gen Harrison, a genuine Whig, much
to the disappointment of the South, which wished

56

JOHN TYLER.

for Henn- Claj-. To conciliate the sQutherii
Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention
then nominated John Tyler for Vice-President.
It was well known that he was not in sympathy
with the Whig party in the North; but the Vice-
President has very little power in the Govern-
ment, his main and almost onh' duty being to
preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it
happened that a Whig President and, in realitj',
a Democratic Vice-President were chosen.

In 1841. Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice-
President of the United States. In one short
month from that time, President Harrison died,
and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own
surprise and that of the whole nation, an occu-
pant of the Presidential chair. Hastening from
Williamsburg to Washington, on the 6th of
April he was inaugurated to the high and re-
sponsible office. He was placed in a position of
exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long
life he had been opposed to the main principles of
the party which had brought him into power.
He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with
an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had se-
lected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them,
and thus surround himself with counselors whose
views were antagonistic to his own ? or, on the
other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him, and select a cabinet in
harmony with himself, and which would oppose
all those views which the Whigs deemed essen-
tial to the public welfare ? This was his fearful
dilemma. He invited the cabinet which Presi-
dent Harrison had selected to retain their seats,
and recommended a day of fasting and prayer,
that God would guide and bless us.

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for
the incorporation of a fiscal bank of ;he United
States. The President, after ten days' delay, re-
turned it with his veto. He suggested, however,
that he would approve of a bill drawn up upon
such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was ac-
cordingly prepared, and privately submitted to
him. He gave it his approval. It was passed '
without alteration, and he sent it back with his
veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is
said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- ,

ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who se-
verely touched the pride of the President.

The opposition now exultingly received the
President into their anus. The party which
elected him denounced him bitterly. All the
members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster,
resigned. The \\'higs of Congress, both the
Senate and the House, held a meeting and issued
an address to the people of the United States,
proclaiming that all political alliance between the
Whigs and President Tyler was at an end.

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs
and Conser\-atives, carefully leaving out aU strong
party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary
to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig
friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler's un-
fortunate administration passed sadly away. No
one was satisfied. The land was filled with mur-
murs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats
alike assailed him. More and more, however, he
brought himself into sympathy with his old
friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his
term he gave his whole influence to the support
of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his
successor.

On the 4th of March, 1845, President Tyler re-
tired from the harassments of office, to the regret
of neither party, and probably to his own unspeak-
able relief. The remainder of his days were
passed mainly in the retirement of his beautiful
home — Sherwood Forest, Charles City County,
Va. His first wife. Miss Letitia Christian, died
in Washington in 1S42; and in June, 1S44,
he was again married, at New York, to Miss Julia
Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and
intellectual accomplishments.

When the great Rebellion rose, which the
State Rights and nulli^ing doctrines of John C.
Calhoun had inaugurated. President Tyler re-
nounced his allegiance to the United Slates, and
joined the Confederates. He was chosen a mem-
ber of their Congress, and while engaged in
active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the
Government over which he had once presided, he
was taken sick and soon died.

Oc_ ^Ji'C^-c.

JAMES K. POLK.

3 AMES K. POLK, the eleventh President of
the United States, was bom in Mecklenburgh
County, N. C, Novemljer 2, 1795. His
parents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the
former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located
at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in
1735. In 1806, with his wife and children, and
soon after followed by most of the members of the j
Polk famih-, Samuel Polk emigrated some two or
three hundred miles farther west, to the rich val-
ley of the Duck River. Here, in the midst of the j
wilderness, in a region which was subsequently
called Maur>' County, tliej- erected their log huts !
and established their homes. In the hard toil of i
a new fann in the wilderness, James K. Polk
spent the early years of his childhood and j-outh.
His father, adding the pursuit of a survej-or to '
that of a fanner, gradually increa.sed in wealth,
until he became one of the leading men of the
region. His mother was a superior woman, of
strong common .sen.se and earnest piety. 1

Very earlj- in life James developed a taste for
reading, and expressed the strongest desire to ob-
tain a liberal education. His mother's training
had made him methodical in his habits, had taught
him punctuality and industry, and had inspired
him with lofty principles of morality. His health
was frail, and his father, fearing that he might not
be able to endure a sedentary life, got a situation I
for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for
commercial pursuits.

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He ]
hafl no taste for these duties, and his daily lasKS '
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in this
tnicongenial occupation but a few v^ks, when, |
at his earnest solicitation, his fanner removed
him and made arrangements for him to pros-
ecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Mur-
freesboro Academy. With ardor which could
scarcely be surpasse<l, he prc.s,sed fonvard in his

studies, and in less than two and a-half years, in
the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore class
in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of
scholars, punctual in ever>' exercise, never allow-
ing himself to be ab.sent from a recitation or a
religious service.

Mr. Polk graduated in 18 18, with the highest
honors, being deemed the best scholar of his class,
both in mathematics and the cla.ssics. He was
then twenty-three years of age. His health was
at this time much impaired by the assiduity with
which he had prosecuted his studies. After a
short season of relaxation, he went to Nashville,
and entered the office of Felix Gnnidy, to study
law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance
with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his planta-
tion, the " Hermitage," but a few miles from
Nashville. They had probably been slightly ac-
quainted before.

Mr. Polk's father was a Jeffersonian Republican
and James K. adhered to the same political faith.
He was a popular public speaker, and was con-
stantly called up<in to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such
that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the
stmnp. He was a man of unblemished morals,
genial and courteous in his bearing, and with that
sympathetic nature in the joys and griefs of oth-
ers which gave him iiosts of friends. In 1823.
he was elected to the Legi.slature of Tennessee,
and gave his strong influence toward the election
of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of
the United States.

In Januar)', 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford County, Tenn. His
l)ride was altogether worthy of him — a lady of
beauty and culture. In the fall of 1S25 Mr. Polk
was chosen a member of Congress, and the .satis-
faction he gave his constituents may be inferred

6o

JAMES K. POI.K.

from ihe fact, that for fourteen successive years,
or until 1839, lie was continued in that office. He
then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might
accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In
Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent
and a popular speaker. He was always in his
seat, always courteous, and whenever he .spoke
it was always to the point, without any ambitious
rhetorical display.

During five sessions of Congress Mr. Polk was
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were
roused and storm}' scenes were witnessed, but he
performed his arduous duties to a very general
satisfaction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to
him was passed by the House as he withdrew on
the 4th of March, 1839.

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk,
as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State.
He was elected by a large majority, and on Octo-
ber 14, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville.
In 1 841 his term of oflSce expired, and he was
again the candidate of the Democratic party, but
was defeated.

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was in-
augurated President of the United States. The
verdict of the country in favor of the annexation
of Texas exerted its influence upon Congress,
and the last act of the administration of President
Tyler was to a£Bx his signature to a joint resolu-
tion of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, ap-
proving of the annexation of Texas to the Union.
As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her
provinces, the Mexican Minister, Almonte, im-
mediately demanded his passports and left the
country', declaring the act of the annexation to be
an act hostile to Mexico.

In his fir.st message, President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be
received into the Union on the .same footing with
the other States. In the mean time. Gen. Taylor
was sent with an army into Texas to hold the
country. He was first sent to Nueces, which the
Mexicans .said was the western boundary- of Tex-
as. Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles
further we.st, to the Rio Grande, where he erected
batteries which commanded the Mexican city of
Matamoras, which was situated on the western

banks. The anticipated collision soon took place,
and war was declared against Mexico by President
Polk. The war was pushed fonvard by his ad-
ministration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor,
whose army was first called one of ' ' observ'ation, ' '
then of "occupation," then of "invasion," was
sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans
in every encounter were hopeles.sly .slaughtered.
The day of judgment alone can reveal the misery
which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity
of Mr. Polk's administration that the war was
brought on.

"To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico
was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our
hands. We now consented to peace upon the
condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in
addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of
Upper and Lower California. This new demand
embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred
thousand square miles. This was an extent of
territory equal to nine States of the size of New
York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen ma-
jestic States to be added to the Union. There
were some Americans who thought it all right;
there were others who thought it all wrong. In
the prosecution of this war we expended twenty
thousand lives and more than $100,000,000. Of
this money $15,000,000 were paid to Mexico.

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired
from office, having served one term. The next
day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was
inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to
the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Tay-
lor, and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he
commenced his return to Tennessee. He was
then but fifty-four years of age. He had always
been strictly temjserate in all his habits, and his
health was good. With an ample fortune, a
choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic
ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though
long years of tranquillity and happiness were be-
fore him. But the cholera — that fearful scourge
— was then sweeping up the Valley of the Missis-
sippi, and he contracted the di.sease, dying on the
15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his
age, greatly mourned by his countnmen.

•V YORK

. ANO

7/^i'^C^^i<:>-^7'^y/^,yctyy'-^^^

ZACHARY TAYLOR.

^ACHARY TAYLOR, twelftli President of
1. the United States, was born on the 24th of
/^ November, 1784, in Orange County, Ya.
His father. Col. Taj-lor, was a Virginian of
note, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant,
his father, with his wife and two children, emi-
grated to Kentucky, where he settled in the path-
less wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In
this frontier home, away from civilization and all
its refinements, young Zachar>- could enjoy but
few social and educational advantages. When
six years of age he attended a common school,
and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of
character. He was .strong, fearless and self-reli-
ant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the
army to fight the Indians, who were ravaging the
frontiers. There is little to be recorded of the
uneventful years of his childhood on his father's
large but lonely plantation.

In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for
him a commi.s.sion as Lieutenant in the United
States army, and he joined the troops which were
stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson.
Soon after this he married Mi.ss Margaret Smith,
a young lady from one of the first families of
Maryland.

Immediately after the declaration of war with
Kngland, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then
iK-en promoted to that rank) was put in command
of P't. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles
above Vincennes. This fort had been built in the
wilderness by Gen. Harrison, on his march to
Tippecanoe. It was one of the fir.st points of at-
tack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garri-
son consisted of a broken company of infantrj',
nnmhering fifty men, many of whom were sick.

Early in the autumn of 181 2, the Indians,
stealthily, and in large numbers, moved upon the

fort. Their approach was first indicated by the
murder of two .soldiers just outside of the .stockade.
Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to
meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of Sep-
tember, a band of forty painted and plumed sav-
ages csme to the fort, waving a white flag, and
informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their
chief would come to have a talk with him. It
was evident that their object was merely to ascer-
tain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages,
kept them at a distance.

The sun went down; the savages disappeared;
the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour
before midnight the war-whoop burst from a
thousand lips in the forest around, followed by
the discharge of musketrj- and the rush of the
foe. Everj' man, sick and well, sprang to his
post. Even*' man knew that defeat was not
merely death, but, in the ca.se of capture, death by
the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No
p)en can describe, no imagination can conceive, the
scenes which ensued. The savages succee<led in
setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six
o'clock in the morning this awful conflict con-
tinued, wlien the savages, baffled at ever>' point
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired.
Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defense, was pro-
moted to the rank of Major by brevet.

Until the clo.se of the war, Maj. Taylor was
placed in .such .situations that he saw but little
more of active ser\Mce. He was sent far a%vay
into the depths of the wilderness to Ft. Craw-
ford, on Fox River, which empties into Green
Bay. Here there was little to be done but to
wear away the te<lious hours as one best could.
There were no books, no society, no intellectual
stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years
rolled on. Gradually he rose to the rank of
Colonel. In the Black Hawk War, which ^-

64

ZACHARY TAYLOR.

suited in the capture of that renowned chieftain,
Col. Taylor took a subordinate, but a brave and
efficient, part.

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged
in the defense of the frontiers, in scenes so re-
mote, and in employments so obscure, that his
name was unknown beyond the limits of his own
immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he
was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indi-
ans to vacate that region, and retire beyond the
Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty had prom-
ised they should do. The services rendered here
secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the Government, and as a reward he was ele-
vated to the high rank of Brigadier-General by
brevet, and soon after, in May, 1838, was ap-
pointed to the chief command of the United
States troops in Florida.

After two years of wearisome employment
amidst the ev'erglades of the Peninsula, Gen. Tay-
lor obtained, at his own request, a change of
command, and was stationed over the Department
of the Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana,
Missi.ssippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing
his headquarters at Ft. Jessup, in Louisiana, he
removed his family to a plantation which he pur-
chased near Baton Rouge. Here he remained
for five years, buried, as it were, from the world,
but faithfully discharging every duty imposed
upon him.

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the
land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the
latter river being the boundary of Texas, which
was then claimed by the United States. Soon
the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo
Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taj-lor won
brilliant victories over the Mexicans. The rank
of Major-General by brevet was then conferred
upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received
with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the na-
tion. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vi.sta, in which he won signal victories
over forces much larger than he connnanded.

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena
Vista spread the wildest enthusia.sm over the
country. The name of Gen. Ta3lor was on
every one's lips. The Whig jiarty decided to

take advantage of this wonderful popularity in
bringing forward the unpoli-shed, unlettered, hon-
est soldier as their candidate for the Presidency.
Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announce-
ment, and for a time would not listen to it, de-
claring that he was not at all qualified for such
an office. So little interest had he taken in poli-
tics, that for forty years he had not cast a vote.
It was not without chagrin that several distin-
guished .statesmen, who had been long years in
the public service, found their claims set aside in
behalf of one whose name had never been heard
of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de
la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said
that Daniel Webster, in his haste, remarked, " It
is a nomination not fit to be made."

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a
fine writer. His friends took possession of him,
and prepared such few communications as it was
needful should be presented to the public. The
popularity of the successful warrior swept the
land. He was triumphantly elected over two
opposing candidates, — Gen. Cass and Ex-Presi-
dent Martin Van Buren. Though he selected an
excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself
in a very uncongenial position, and was at times
sorely perplexed and hara.s.sed. His mental suf-
ferings were verj^ se\-ere, and probablj- tended to
hasten his death. The pro-slaverj' party was
pushing its claims with tireless energy; expedi-
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California
was pleading for admission to the Union, while
slavery stood at the door to bar her "out. Gen.
Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington
to be far more tr>-ing to the ner\-es than battles
with Mexicans or Indians.

In the midst of all these troubles. Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but
little over a year, took cold, and after a brief
sickness of but little over five days, died, on the
9th of July, 1850. His la.st words were, "I am
not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeav-
ored to do my duty." He died universally re-
spected and beloved. An honest, unpretending
man, he had been steadily growing in the affec-
tions of the people, and the Nation bitterly la-
mented his death.

^'!■■■^■J\ an;

^^^-a / (.C ' ^^^/^/^ ' cn(?

MILLARD FILLMORE.

iA ILLARD FILLMORE, thirteenth President '
Y of the United States, was born at Summer
(s Hill, Cayuga County, N. Y., on the 7th of
Januarj-, iScxd. His father was a farmer, and, owing
to misfortune, in humble circumstances. Of his (
mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of ;
Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said tliat she pos- I
sessed an intellect of a high order, united with
much personal loveliness, sweetness of di.sposi- !
tion, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities.
She died in 1831, having lived to see her son a
young man of distinguished promise, though she
was not permitted to witness the high dignity
which he finally attained.

In consequence of the secluded homo and limited
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but .slender
advantages for education in his earl>- years. The
common schools, which he occasionalh- attended,
were very imperfect institutions, and books were
scarce and expensive. There was nothing then
in his character to indicate the brilliant career 1
upon which he was about to enter. He was a
plain farmer's Ixiy — intelligent, good-looking,
kind-hearted. The sacred iufluences of home
had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid
the foundations of an upright character. When
fourteen years of age, his father sent him some !
hundred miles from home to the then wilds of ;
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Near the mill there was a small village, where
some enterprising man had commenced the col-
lection of a village library. This proved an in-
estimable ble.s.sing to young Fillmore. His even-
ings were spent in rea<ling. S(X)n even,- leisure
moment was occupied with books. His thirst for
knowledge Ixjcamc insatiate, and the .selections
which he made were continually more elevating
and instructive. He read history-, biography,
orator)-, and thus gradually there was enkindled

in his heart a desire to be something more than a
mere worker with his hands.

The young clothier had now attained the age
of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appear-
ance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hap-
pened that there was a gentleman in the neigh-
borhood of ample pecuniary means and of benev-
olence,—Judge Walter Wood, — who was struck
with the prepossessing appearance of young Fill-
more. He made his acquaintance, and was so
much impres.sed with his ability and attainments
that he advised him to abandon his trade and de-
vote him.self to the study of the law. The young
man replied that he had no means of his own,
no friends to help him, and that his previous edu-
cation had been ver>- imperfect. But Judge Wood
had .so much confidence in him that he kindly
offered to take him into his own office, and to
lend him such money as he needed. Most grate-
full v the generous offer was accepted.

There is in many minds a strange delusion
about a collegiate education. A young man is
supposed to be liberally educated if he has gradu-
ated at some college. But many a boy who loi-
ters through universitj- halls and then enters t
law office is by no means as well prepared to
prosecute his legal .studies as was Millard Fill-
more when he graduated at the clothing-n>ill at
the end of four years of manual lalxir, during
which even,- leisure moment had been devoted to
intense mental culture.

In 1823, when twenty-three years of nge, he
was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas.
He then went to the village of Aurora, and com-
menced the practice of law. In this secluded,
quiet region, his practice, <>f course, w.is limited,
and there was no opportunity for a sudden ri.se in
fortune or in fame. Here, in 1826, he married •
lady of great moral worth, and one capable of

MILLARD FILLMORE.

adorning any station she might be called to fill, —
Miss Abigail Powers.

His elevation of character, his untiring industry,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advo-
cate, gradually attracted attention, and he was
invited to enter into partnership, under highly ad-
vantageous circumstances, with an elder member
of the Bar in BuflFalo. Just before removing to
Bufialo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of
Assembly of the State of New York, as a Repre-
sentative from Erie County. Though he had
never taken a very active part in politics, his vote
and sympathies were with the Whig party. The
State was then Democratic, and he found himself
in a helpless minority in the Legislature; still the
testimony comes from all parties that his courtesy,
ability and integrity won, to a very unusual de-
gree, the respect of his associates.

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a
seat in the United States Congress. He entered
that troubled arena in the most tumultuous hours
of our national history, when the great conflict
respecting the national bank and the removal of
the deposits was raging.

His term of two years closed, and he returned
to his profession, which he pursued with increas- .
ing reputation and success. After a lapse of two
years he again became a candidate for Congress;
was re-elected, and took his seat in 1837. His
past experience as a Representative gave him
strength and confidence. The first term of service
in Congress to any man can be but little more
than an introduction. He was now prepared for
active duty. All his energies were brought to
bear upon the public good. Every measure re-
ceived his impre-ss.

Mr. Fillmore wi.: now a man of wide repute,
and his popularity filled the State. In the year
1847, when he had attained the age of forty -
seven j-ears, he was elected Comptroller of the
State. His labors at the Bar, in the Legisla-
ture, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given
him very considerable fame. The Whigs were
casting about to find suitable candidates for Presi-
dent and Vice-President at the approaching elec-
tion. Far away on the waters of the Rio Grande,
there was a rough old soldier, who had fought

one or two successful battles with the Mexicans,
which had caused his name to be proclaimed in
trumpet-tones all over the land as a candidate for
the presidency. But it was necessary to associate
with him on the same ticket some man of repu-
tation as a statesman.

Under the influence of these considerations, the
names of Zachar>' Taylor and Millard Fillmore
became the rallying-crj' of the Whigs, as their
candidates for President and Vice-President. The
Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the
4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President,
of the United States.

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor,
about one year and four months after his inaugura-
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the
Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus be-
came President. He appointed a very able cabi-
net, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was
Secretary of State; nevertheless, he had serious
difiiculties to contend with, since the opposition
had a majority in both Hou.ses. He did all in his
power to conciliate the South ; but the pro-slavery
party in the South felt the inadequacy of all
measures of transient conciliation. The popula-
tion of the free States was so rapidly increasing
over that of the .slave States, that it was inevitable
that the power of the Government should soon
pass into the hands of the free States. The fa-
mous compromise measures were adopted under
Mr. Fillmore's admini.stration, and the Japan ex-
pedition was sent out. On the 4th of March,
1853, he, having served one term, retired.

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the
Presidency by the "Know-Nothing" party, but
was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr.
Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terri-
ble conflict of civil war, lie was mostly silent. It
was generally suppo.sed that his sympatliies were
rather with those who were endeavoring to over-
throw our in.stitutions. President Fillmore kept
aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words
of cheer to one party or the other. He was thus
forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age.
and died in Buff'alo, N. Y., March 8, 1874.

PU

Ul

ASTOR, LENOX AND
riLDKN iOUNDAXlONa |

.M^oe)

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

|~RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth Presi-
1^ dent of the United States, was bom in Hills-
I * borough, N. H., November 23, 1804. His 1
father was a Revolutionary- soldier, who with his
own strong arm hewed out a home in the wilder-
ness. He was a man of inflexible integrity, of
strong, though uncultivated, mind, and was an un-
compromising Democrat. The mother of Frank-
lin Pierce was all that a son could desire — an in-
telligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman.

Franklin, who was the sixth of eight children,
was a remarkably bright and handsome boy, I
generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won |
alike the love of old and young. The boys on
the play-ground loved him. His teachers loved
hini. The neighbors looked upon him with pride
and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman,
always sjxaking kind words, and doing kind
deeds, with a peculiar, un.studied tact which
taught him what was agreeable. Without de-
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural ,
devotion to books, he was a good scholar, and in
b'ldy and mind a finely developed boy.

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820,
he entered Bowdoin College, at Bnni.swick, Mc.
He was one of ihe most popular young men in
the college. The purity of his moral character,
the unvar>-ing courtesy of his demeanor, his rank
as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a
universal favorite. There was .something pe-
culiarly winning in his address, and it was evi-
dently not in the slightest degree studied — it was
the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous
and loving natnre.

Upon graduating, in the year 1824. Franklin
Pierce commenced the study of law in the office
of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distingiiished

lawyers of the State, and a man of great private
worth. The eminent .social qualities of the young
lawyer, his father's prominence as a public man,
and the brilliant political career into which Judge
Woodbury- was entering, all tended to entice Mr.
Pierce into the fascinating yet perilous path of
political life. With all the ardor of his nature he
espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presi-
dency. He commenced the practice of law in
Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent
the town in the State Legislature. Here he
served for four years. The last two years he was
chosen Sp)eaker of the Hou.se by a very large
vote.

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was
elected a member of Congress. In 1837, iK-ing
then but thirty-three years old, he was elected to
the Senate, taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren
commenced his administration. He was the
youngest member in the Senate. In tlie year
1834, he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a
lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one
admirably fitted to adorn ever>- station with which
her husband was honored. Of the three sons who
were born to them, all now sleep with their par-
ents in the grave.

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing
fame and increasing bu.sine.ss as a lawyer, took up
his resilience in Concord, the capital of New
Hamp.shire. President Polk, upon his accession
to office, appointed Mr. Pierce Attorney-General
of the Unite<i Stales: but the offer was declinetl
in consequence of numerous professional engage-
ments at home, and the precarious slate of Mrs.
Pierce's health. He aLs*-). alxnit the same time,
declined the nomination for Govcnior by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called

72

FRANKLIN PIERCE.

Mr. Pierce into the army. Receiving the appoint-
ment of Brigadier-General, he embarked with a
portion of his troops at Newport, R. I., on the
27th of May, 1847. He took an important part
in this war, proving himself a brave and true sol-
dier.

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his na-
tive State, he was received enthusiastically by the
advocates of the Mexican War, and coldly by his
opponents. He resumed the practice of his pro-
fession, very frequently taking an active part in
political questions, giving his cordial .support to
the pro-slaverj^ wing of the Democratic party.
The compromise measures met cordially with his
approval, and he strenuously advocated the en-
forcement of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law,
which so shocked the religious sensibilities of the
North. He thus became distinguished as a
' ' Northern man with Southern principles. ' ' The
strong partisans of slaver>- in the South conse-
quently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.

On the 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic con-
vention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate
for the Presidency. For four days they contin-
ued in session, and in thirty -five ballotings no one
had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus
far had been thrown for Gen. Pierce. Then the
Virginia delegation brought forward his name.
There were fourteen more ballotings, during which
Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at
the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred
and eightj--t\vo votes, and all other candidates
eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig can-
didate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great una-
nimity. Only four States— Vermont, Massachu-
setts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their elec-
toral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce
was therefore inaugurated President of the United
Statts on the 4th of March, 1853.

His administration proved one of the most
stormy our country had ever experienced. The
controversy between slavery and freedom was
then approaching its culminating point. It be-
came evident that there was to be an irrepressible
conflict between them, and that this nation
could not long exist ' ' half slave and half free. ' '

President Pierce, during the whole of his admin-
istration, did everj'thing he could to conciliate the
South; but it was all in vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the disso-
lution of the Union were borne to the North on
every vSouthern breeze.

Such was the condition of afifairs when Presi-
dent Pierce approached the close of his four-
years term of office. The North had become
thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery
sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been
rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and
social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in
deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The
slaveholders of the South also, immindful of the
fidelity with which he had advocated those meas-
ures of Government which they approved, and
perhaps feeling that he had rendered himself
so unpopular as no longer to be able to accepta-
bly ser\'e them, ungratefullj- dropped him, and
nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re-
turned to his home in Concord. His three chil-
dren were all dead, his last surviving child hav-
ing been killed before his eyes in a railroad acci-
dent; and his wife, one of the most estimable and
accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in
consumption. The hour of dreadful gloom soon
came, and he was left alone in the world without
wife or child.

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth which
divided our country into two parties, and two
only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the prin-
ciples which he had always cherished, and gave
his sympathies to that pro-slavery party with
which he had ever been allied. He declined to
do anything, either by voice or pen, to .strengthen
the hand of the National Government. He con-
tinued to reside in Concord until the time of his
death, which occurred in October, 1869. He was
one of the mo.st genial and social of men, an hon-
ored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and
one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to a
fault, he contributed liberally toward the allevia-
tion of suffering and want, and many of his
towns-people were often gladdened by his ri.iterial
bounty.

~ THE NE\7 YOliK 1
PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND

TILDEN FOUNOAllONa

R 1.

'^^^>??r.e^ G^2cC>:i^€/^ /^-^-c??/:^

JAMES BUCHANAN.

3 AMES BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President
of the United States, was born in a small
frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge
of the Alkghanies, in Franklin County, Pa., on
the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the
humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat-
ter. His father was a native of the north of Ire-
land, who had emigrated in 1783, with little prop-
erty save his own strong arms. Five j'ears after-
ward he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter
of a respectable farmer, and, with his young bride,
plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim,
reared his log hut, opened a clearing with his
axe, and settled down there to perform his obscure
part in the drama of life. When James was eight
years of age, his father removed to the village of
Mercersburg, where his .son was placed at .school,
and commenced a course of study in English,
Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and
at the age of fourteen he entered Dickinson Col-
lege, at Carli.sle. Here he developed remarkable
talent, and took his stand among the first .scholars
in the institution.

In the year ."^^ he graduated with the high-
est honors of liis Jass. He was then eighteen
years of age; tall ana graceful, vigorous in health,
fond of athletic sports, in unerring shot, and en-
livened with an exubera.-t flow of .nnimal spirits.
He immediately commencev'' the study of law in
the city of I.anca.ster, and was admitted to the
Bar in 1812, when he was bu twenty-one years
of age.

In 1S20, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
ten years he remained a member of the Lower
Hou.se. During the vacations of Congress, he

occa.nionally tried some important case. In 1831
he retired altogether from the toils of his profes-
sion, having acquired an ample fortune.

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presi-
dency, appointed Mr. Buchanan Minister to Rus-
sia. The duties of his mission he performed
with ability, and gave satisfaction to all parties.
Upon his return, in 1833, he was elected to a seat
in the United States Senate. He there met as
his a.ssociates Webster, Clay, Wright and Cal-
houn. He advocated the measures proposed by
President Jackson, of making reprisals against
France to enforce the payment of our claims
against that country, and defended the course 01
the President in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not tjie
supporters of his administration. Upon this
question he was brought into direct collision with
Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, ad-
vocated expunging from the journal of the Senate
the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for re-
moving the depo.sits. Earnestly he opposed the
abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia,
and urged the prohibition of the circulation of
auti-slaverj- documents by the United vStates
mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery,
he advocated that they should be respectfully re-
ceived, and that the reply should be returned
that Congress had no power to legislate ujxju the
subject. " Congress," said he, "might as well
undertake to interfere with slavery under a for-
eign government as in any of the States where il
now exists."

T'pon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency.
Mr. Buchanan became Secrctar>- of State, and a?
such took his share of the responsibility in tl«

76

JAMES BUCHANAN.

conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed
that crossing the Nueces by the American
troops into the disputed territory- was not wrong,
but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande
into Texas was a declaration of war. No candid
man can read with pleasure the account of the
course our Government pursued in that movement.

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly
with the party devoted to the perpetuation and
extension of slavery, and brought all the energies
of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso.
He gave his cordial approval to the compromise
measures of 1850, which included the Fugitive
Slave L,aw. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the
Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mis-
sion to England.

In the year 1856, a national Demoeratic Con-
vention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presi-
dency. The political conflict was one of the most
severe in which our country has ever engaged.
All the friends of slaverj^ were on one side; all
the advocates of its restriction and final abolition
on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the
enemies of slaverj-, received one hundred and
fourteen electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan- received
one hundred and seventy-four, and was elected.
The popular vote stood 1,340,618 for Fremont,
1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4, 1857,
the latter was inaugurated.

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only
four years were wanting to fill up his three-score
years and ten. His own friends, those with
whom he had been allied in political principles
and action for years, were seeking the destruc-
tion of the Government, that they might rear
upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation
whose corner-stone should be human .slavery. In
this emergencj', Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly
bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed
principles, consistently oppose the vState Rights
party in their assumptions. As President of the
United States, bound by his oath faithfully to
administer the laws, he could not, without per-
jury of the grossest kind, unite with those en-
deavoring to overthrow the Republic. He there-
fore did nothing.

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administra-

tion nominated Abraham Lincoln as their stand-
ard-bearer in the next Presidential canvass.
The pro-slavery party declared that if he were
elected and the control of the Government were
thus taken from their hands, they would .secede
from the Union, taking with them as they retired
the National Capitol at Washington and the
lion's share of the territory- of the United States.

As the storm increased in violence, the slave-
holders claiming the right to secede, and Mr.
Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power
to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions
of governmental imbecility was exhibited that the
world has ever seen. He declared that Congress
had no power to enforce its laws in any State
which had withdrawn, or which was attempting
to withdraw, from the Union. This was not the
doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand
upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed: "The Union
must and shall be preserved!"

South Carolina seceded in December, i860,
nearly- three months before the inauguration of
President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in
listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in
Charleston; Ft. Sumter was besieged; our forts,
navy-yards and arsenals were seized; our depots
of military stores were plundered, and our cus-
tom-houses and post-offices were appropriated by
the rebels.

The energy of the rebels and the imbecility of
our Executive were alike marvelous. The na-
tion looked on in agony, waiting for the slow
weeks to glide away and close the administration,
so terrible in its weakness. At length the long-
looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abra-
ham Lincoln was to receive the scepter.

The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our countr\- has ex-
perienced. His best friends can not recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his
fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled
its billows of flame and blood over our whole
land, no word came from his lips to indicate his
wish that our country's banner should triumph
over the flag of the Rebellion. He died at his
Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868.

THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX A.ND

TILDEN FOUNDATIONS

/r/T — ,A^)^~e.^v^^, c^ syv-u^

Q.^<y>^^-^^'^^<^-^

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

GIhKAHAM LINCOLN, the sixteenth Presi-
LJ (lent ut' the United vStates, was born in Hardin
/ I County, Ky., February 12, 1809. About
the year 1 780, a man by the name of Abraham
Lincohi left Virginia witli his family and moved
into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years
after this emigration, and while still a young man,
he was working one day in a field, when an Indian
stealthily approached and killed him. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five little chil-
dren, three boys and two girls. Thomas, the
youngest of the boys, and the father of President
Abraham Lincoln, was four years of age at his
father's death.

When twenty-eight years old, Thomas Lincoln
built a log cabin, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky
emigrants, who had also come from Virginia.
Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the sub-
ject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was
a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created
to adorn a palace, but doomed to toil and pine, and
die in a hovel. " All that I am, or hope to be,"
exclaimed the grateful .son, " I owe to my angel-
mother." When he was eight years ot age, his
father sold his cabin and small farm and moved
to Indiana, where two years later his mother died.

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly
family was the usual lot of humanity. There
were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals.
Abraham's sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly
attached, was married when a child of but four-
teen years of age, and soon died. The family
was gradually scattered, and Thomas Lincoln
sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, and emi-
grated to Macon County, 111.

Abraham Lincoln was then twentj'-one years
of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father
in rearing another log cabin, and worked quite
ililigently at this until he saw the family com-
fiirtably scttletl, and their small lot of enclosed
prairie planted with corn, when he announced to

his father his intention to leave home, and to gc
out into the world and .seek his fortune. Little
did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that
fortune was to be. He saw the value of educa-
tion and was inten.sely carne.st to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power. Religion he
revered. His morals were pure, and he was un-
contaminated by a single vice.

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired
laborer among the farmers. Then he went to
Springfield, where he was employed in building
a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine,
floated them down the Sangamon to Illinois, and
thence by the Mi.ssissippi to New Orleans. What-
ever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed
so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his
employers. In this adventure the latter were
so well pleased, that upon his return they placed
a store and rnill under his care.

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk
War, he enlisted and was cho.sen Captain of a
company. He returned to Sangamon County,
and, although only twenty-three years of age, was
a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated.
He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the
appointment of Postmaster of New Salem. His
only po.st-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there, ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied suneying. and
soon made this his business. In 1834 he again
became a candidate for the Legislature and was
elected. Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him
to study law. He walked from New Salem to
Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load ol
books, carried them back, and began his legal
studies. When the Legislature as.sembled, he
trudged on ftxit with his pack on his back one
hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re electeil to the Legislature. Here
it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839
he removed to Springfield and began the practice
of law. His success with the jury was .so great

8o

ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

that he was soon engaged in almost ever>- noted
case in the circnit.

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincohi and Mr. Douglas on the slavery ques-
tion. In the organization of the Republican party
in Illinois, in 1S56, he took an active part, and at
once became one of the leaders in that party.
Mr. Lincoln's speeches in opposition to Senator
Douglas in the contest in 1858 for a seat in the
Senate, form a most notable part of his history.
The issue was on the slavery question, and he
took the broad ground of the Declaration of In-
dependence, that all men are created equal. Mr.
Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a
far higher prize.

The great Republican Convention met at Chi-
cago on the 1 6th of June, i860. The delegates
and strangers who crowded the city amounted to
twenty-five thousand. An immense building
called " The Wigwam," was reared to accommo-
date the convention. There were eleven candi-
dates for whom votes were thrown. William H.
Seward, a man whose fame as a statesman had
long filled the land, was the most prominent. It
was generally supposed he would be the nomi-
nee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the
nomination on the third ballot.

Election day came, and Mr. Lincoln received
one hundred and eighty electoral votes out of two
hundred and three cast, and was, therefore, con-
stitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abu.se that was poured upon this
good and merciful man, especially by the slave-
holders, was greater than upon any other man
ever elected to this high position. In February,
1861, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stop-
ping in all the large cities on his way, making
speeches. The whole journey was fraught with
much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and .several attempts at a.ssassi-
nation were afterward brought to light. A gang
in Baltimore had arranged upon his arrival to
"get up a row," and in the confu.sion to make
sure of his death with revolvers and hand-gren-
ades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret
.ind special train was provided to take him from
Ilarri.sburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected

hour of the night. The tram started at half-pa.st
ten, and to prevent any possible communication
on the part of the Secessionists with their Con-
federate gang in Baltimore, as .soon as the train
had .started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr.
Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was
inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by
all loyal people.

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to
other prominent opponents before the convention
he gave important positions; but during no other
administration had the duties devolving upon the
President been so manifold, and the responsibilities
so great, as those which fell to his lot. Knowing
this, and feeling his own weakness and inability
to meet, and in his own strength to cope with,
the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine
wisdom and guidance in determining his plans,
and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal
and national. Contrary to his own estimate of
himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most cour-
ageous of men. He went directly into the rebel
capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with
no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had
been made for his assassination, and he at last
fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1S65, he,
with Gen. Grant, was urgently in\ited to attend
Ford's Theatre. It was announced that they
would be present. Gen. Grant, however, left the
city. President Lincoln, feeling, with his char-
acteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a
disappointment if he should fail them, very re-
luctantly con.sented to go. While listening to
the play, an actor by the name of John Wilkes
Booth entered the box where the President and
family were seated, and fired a bullet into his
brain. He died the ne.xt morning at .seven
o'clock.

Never before in the history of the world was
a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death
of its ruler Strong men met in the streets and
wept in speechless anguish. His was a life which
will fitly l)ecome a model. His name as the
Savior of his country will li\c with that of Wash-
ington's, its Father.

ANDREW JOHNSON.

(p\ NDREW JOHNSON, seventeenth President
Li of the United States. The early life of An-
/ I drew Johnson contains but the record of pov-
erty, destitution and friendlessness. He was born
December 29, i8o8, in Raleigh, N. C. His par-
ents, belonging to the class of "poor whites"
of the South, were in such circumstances that they
could not coufer even the slightest advantages of
education upon their child. When Andrew was
five years of age, his father accidentally lost his
life, while heroically endeavoring to save a friend
from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged bo>- about the streets, supported by
the labor of his mother, who obtained her living
with her own hands.

He then, having never attended a school one
day, and being unable either to reader write, was
apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gen-
tleman was in the habit of going to the tailor's
shop occasionally, and reading to the boys at
work there. He often read from the speeches of
di.stinguislied British statesmen. Andrew, who
was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary-
ability, became much interested in these speeches;
his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with
a strong desire to learn to read.

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet,
and with the assistance of -some of his fellow-
workmen learned his letters. He then called upon
the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches.
The owner, plea.sedwith his zeal, not only gave
him the l>ook, but assisted him in learning to com-
bine the letters into words. Under such difficul-
ties he pressed onward lalx)riousl\-, sixMiding usu-
ally ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and
then robbing himself of rest and recreation to de-
vote such time as he could to reading.

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at

Greenville, where he married a young lady who
possessed some education. Under her instructions
he learned to write and cipher. He became
prominent in the village debating society, and a
favorite with the students of Greenville College.
In 1828, he organized a working man's party,
which elected him Alderman, and in 1S30 elected
him Mayor, which position he held three years.

He now began to take a lively interest in
political affairs, identifying himself with the work-
ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, he
was elected a member of the House of Represent-
atives of Teiniessee. He was then just twenty-
seven years of age. He became a very active
member of the Legislature, gave his support to
the Democratic party, and in 1840 "stumped the
State," advocating Martin Van Buren's claims to
the Presidency, in opposition to those of Gen.
Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.

In 1 84 1, he was elected State Senator; in 1843,
he was elected a Member of Congress, and by suc-
cessive elections held that important post for ten
years. In 1 853, he was elected Governor of Tenn-
essee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these
responsible po.sitions, he discharged his duties
with distinguished ability, and proved himself the
warm friend of the working classes. In 1857, Mr.
Johnson was elected United States Senator.

Years before, in 1S45, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating, however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would
probablv prove "to be the gateway out of which
the .sable st)ns of Africa are to pass from bondage
to freedom, and become merged in a population
congenial to themselves." In 1850. he also su].
ported the compromise measures, the two essen-

84

ANDREW JOHNSON.

tial features of which wer^ , that the white people
of the Territories should be permitted to decide
for themselves whether they would enslave the
colored people or not, and that the free States of
the North should return to the South persons who
attempted to escape from slaverj'.

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly
origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in
avowing that he owed his distinction to his own
exertions. "Sir," said he on the floor of the
Senate, "I do not forget that I am a mechanic;
neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and
sewed fig-leaves, and that our Savior was the son
of a carpenter. ' '

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860,
he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for
the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of
the Southern Democracj^ became apparent, he took
a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held
that "slavery' must be held subordinate to the
Union at whatever cost." He returned to Tenn-
essee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to
protect the Unionists of that State. Tennessee
having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln,
on March 4, 1862, appointed him Military Gov-
ernor of the vState, and he established the most
stringent military rule. His numerous proclama-
tions attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was
elected Vice-President of the United States, and
upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865,
became President. In a speech two days later he
said, "The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime
and must be punished; that the Government will
not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong
not only to protect, but to punish. * * The
people must understand that it (treason) is the
blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished. ' '
Yet his whole administration, the history of which
is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with,
and in the most violent opposition to, the princi-
ples laid down in that speech.

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress, and he
characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and
lawlessly defied it in everything possible to the ut-
most. In the beginning of 1868, on account of

"High crimes and misdemeanors," the principal
of which was the removal of Secretarj' Stanton in
violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of
impeachment were preferred against him, and the
trial began March 23.

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. A test article of the impeachment was
at length submitted to the court for its action. It
was certain that as the court voted upon that ar-
ticle so would it vote upon all . Thirtj'-four voices
pronounced the President guilty. As a two-thirds
vote was neces.sar>' to his condemnation, he was
pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great
majority against him. The change of one vote
from the not guilty side would have sustained the
impeachment.

The President, for the remainder of his term,
was but little regarded. He contiimed, though
impotently, his conflict with Congress. His own
party did not think it expedient to renominate
him for the Presidency. The Nation rallied with
enthusiasm, unparalleled since the days of Wash-
ington, around the name of Gen. Grant. Andrew
John.son was forgotten. The bullet of the assa.ssin
introduced him to the President's chair. Not-
withstanding this, never was there presented to a
man a better opportunity to immortalize his name,
and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed
utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville,
Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until
1875. On January' 26, after an exciting struggle,
he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee
United States Senator in the Forty-fourth Congess.
and took his seat in that body, at the special ses-
sion convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-Presi-
dent made a visit to his daughter's home, near
Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his
journey, he was apparenth' in his u.sual vigorous
health, but on reaching the residence of his child
the following day, he was stricken with paralysis,
which rendered him unconscious. He rallied oc-
casionally, but finally passed away at 2 a. m..
July 31 , aged sixty-seven years. His funeral was
held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with
everj- demonstration of respect.

^ c^

-^

ULYSSES S. GRANT.

I I LYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi-
M^l dent of the United States, was born on the
U 29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in
a humble home at Point Pleasant, on the banks
of the Ohio. Shortly after, his father moved to
Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. In this re-
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common-
school education. At the age of seventeen, in |
the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy
at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid,
sensible young man, of fair abilitj-, and of sturdy,
honest character. He took respectable rank as a
scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated about the
middle in his class, and was sent as Lieutenant of j
Infantry to one of the distant military po.sts in the
Mi.s,souri Territory-. Two years he pas.sed in these
dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond Indians.

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His
first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no \
chance here for the exhibition of either skill or
heroism, nor at Resaca de la Pahna, his .second
battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third en-
gagement, it is said that he performed a signal
ser\'ice of daring and skillful horsemanship.

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant
returned with his regiment to New York, and
was again sent to one of the militan,- posts on the
frontier. The discover^- of gold in California
causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to
the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a
battalion to Ft. Dallas, in Oregon, for the protec-
tion of the interests of the immigrants. Hut life
was wearisome in those wilds, and he resigned
his commission and returned to the States. Hav-
ing married, he entered upon the cultivation of a
small farm near St. Louis, Mo., but having little

skill as a farmer, and finding his toil not re-
nnuierative, he turned to mercantile life, entering
into the leather business, with a younger brother
at Galena, 111. This was in the year i860. As
the tidings of the rebels firing on Ft. Sumter
reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting-
room, he said: "Uncle Sam has educated me
for the army; though I have served him through
one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the
debt. I am still ready to discharge my obliga-
tions. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and
see Uncle Sam through this war too."

He went into the streets. rai.sed a company of
volunteers, and led them as their Captain to
Springfield, the capital of the State, where their
ser\-ices were offered to Gov. Yates. The Gov-
ernor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward
executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk
in his office to a.ssist in the volunteer organiza-
tion that was being formed in the State in behalf
of the Government. On the 15th of June, 1 86 1 ,
Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of
the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers.
His merits as a West Point graduate, who had
served for fifteen jears in the regular army, were
such that he was soon promoted to the rank of
Hrigadicr-General, and was placed in connnand at
Cairo. The rebels rai.sed their bainier at Padu-
cah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River.
Scarcely hail its folds appeared in the breeze ere
Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled, their
bainier fell, and the Stars and Stripes were un-
furled in its stead.

He entered the sen'ice with gre.it determina-
tion and immediately began active dut>'. This
was the licgiiniing. and tuitil the surrender of
Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy

88

ULYSvSEvS S. GRANT.

with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont,
a few days later, he surprised and routed the
rebels, then at Ft. Henry won another victory.
Then came the brilliant fight at Ft. Donelson.
The nation was electrified by the victors- , and the
brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately
made a Major- General, and the military district
of Teimessee was assigned to him .

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well
how to secure the results of victory. He imme-
diately pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then
came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing,
Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen.
Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of
the citj' with over thirty thousand men and one
hundred and sevent>--two cannon. The fall of
Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which
the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened
up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro-
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown
from his horse, and received severe injuries, from
which he was laid up for months. He then
rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas
at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of
strategic and technical measures put the Union
army in fighting condition. Then followed the
bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Moun-
tain and Missionarj' Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him
unbounded praise in the North. On the 4th of
February, 1S64, Congress revived the grade of
lieutenant-general, and the rank was conferred
on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to
receive his credentials and enter upon the duties
of his new office.

Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge
of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed
National troops for an attack up)on Richmond,
the nominal capital of the rebellion, and endeavor
there to destroy the rebel armies which would be
promptly a.ssenibled from all quarters for its de-
fense. The whole continent seemed to tremble
inider the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing
to the decisive battle-field. Steamers were crowd-
ed with troops. Railway trains were burdened

with closely-packed thousands. His plans were
comprehensive, and involved a series of cam-
paigns, which were executed with remarkable
energy' and ability, and were consummated at the
surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865.

The war was ended. The Union was saved.
The almost unanimous voice of the nation de-
clared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent in-
strument in its salvation. The eminent services
he had thus rendered the country brought him
conspicuousl}' forward as the Republican candi-
date for the Presidential chair.

At the Republican Con\-ention held at Chicago,
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated
for the Presidency, and at the autumn election
received a majority of the popular vote, and two
hundred and fourteen out of two hundred and
ninety-four electoral votes.

The National Convention of the Republican
party, which met at Philadelphia on the 5th 01
June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for
a second term by a unanimous vote. The selec-
tion was emphatically indorsed by the people five
months later, two hundred and ninety-two elect-
oral votes being cast for him.

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen.
Grant started upon his famous trip around the
world. He visited almost everj- country of the
civilized world, and was everywhere received
with such ovations and demon.strations of respect
and honor, private as well as public and official,
as were never before bestowed upon any citizen
of the United States.

He was the most prominent candidate before
the Republican National Convention in 1880 for
a renomination for President. He went to New
York and embarked in the brokerage business
under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The
latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant's fortune,
and for larceny was sent to the penitentian,-.
The General was attacked with cancer in the
throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never
complaining. He was re-instated as General of
the Army, and retired by Congress. The cancer
soon finished its deadly work, and July 23. 1S85,
the nation went in monniing over the death 01
the illustrious General.

s

o'W6i-^>-V

I

u

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth
President of the United States, was born in
Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822, almost
three months after the death of his father, Ruther-
ford Hayes. His ancestr\' on both the paternal and
maternal sides was of the most honorable char-
acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as
1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two
Scottish chieftains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both
families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive
estates, and had a large following. Misfortune
overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland
in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was born in Windsor, and remained there
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter,
married Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of
his marriage until his death in Simsbury. Conn.
Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was bom in 1724, and was
a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn.
Rutherford Hayes, .son of Ezekiel and grandfather
of President Hayes, was boni in New Haven, in
August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and
tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an
unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he
established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford
Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was born.
He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors
emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having
been among the wealthiest and l)est families of
Norwich. Her anccstr>- on the male side is
traced back to ifi.-^s. to John Birchard, one of the
principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grand-
fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War.

The f.ither of President Haves was an industri-
ous, frugal, yet open-hearted man. He was of a

mechanical turn of mind, and could mend a plow,
knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that
he cho.se to undertake. He was a member of the
church, active in all the benevolent enterprises
of the town, and conducted his business on Chris-
tian principles. After the close of the War of
i8i2, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he
resolved to emigrate to Ohio.

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day,
when there were no canals, steamers, or rail-
ways, was a very serious affair. A tour of in-
spection was first made, occupying four months.
Mr. Hayes decided to move to Delaware, where
the family arrived in 1817. He died July 22,
1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three
months before the birth of the son of whom we
write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement,
found the support she so much needed in her
brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from
Vermont, and in an orphan girl, whom she had
adopted .some time before as an act of charity.

Rutherford was seven years old before he went
to school. His education, however, was not neg-
lected. He probably learned as much from his
mother and sister as he would have done at
school. His sports were almost wholly within
doors, his playmates lx;ing his sister and her asso-
ciates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to
foster that gentleness of disposition and that del-
icate consideration for the feelings of others which
were marked traits of his character.

His uncle, Sardis Birchard, took the deepest
interest in his education; and as the boy's health
had improved, and he was making good progress
in his studies, he proposed to .send him to college.
His preparation commenced with a tutor at home;

92

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

but he was afterwards sent for one year to a pro-
fessor in the Wesleyan University in Middletown,
Conn. He entered Kenyon College in 1838, at
the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head
of his class in 1S42.

Immediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow,
Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities
for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he de-
termined to enter the Law School at Cambridge,
Mass., where he remained two years.

In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he
was admitted to the Bar at Marietta, Ohio, and
shortly afterward went into practice as an at-
torney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fre-
mont. Here he remained three years, acquiring
but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious
of distinction in his profession.

In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his am-
bition found a new stimulus. For several years,
however, his progress was slow. Two events
occurring at this period had a powerful influence
upon his subsequent life. One of these was his
marriage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter
of Dr. James Webb, of Chillicothe; the other was
his introduction to the Cincinnati Literarj' Club,
a body embracing among its members such men
as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John
Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others
hardly less distinguished in after life. The mar-
riage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybodj- knows. Not one of all the wives of
our Presidents was more universallj' admired,
reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and
no one did more than she to reflect honor upon
American womanhood. The LiteraryClub brought
Mr. Hayes into con.stant association with young
men of high character and noble aims, and lured
him to display the qualities so long hidden by his
bashfulness and modesty.

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge
of the Court of Common Pleas, but he declined to
accept the nomination. Two years later, the of-
fice of City Solicitor becoming vacant, the City
Council elected him for the unexpired term.

In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was
at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at

the Bar was among the first. But the news of
the attack on Ft. Sumter found him eager to
take up arms for the defense of his country.

His militarj' record was bright and illustrious.
In October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colo-
nel, and in Augu.st, 1862, promoted Colonel of
the Seventy-ninth Ohio Regiment, but he refused
to leave his old comrades and go among strangers.
Sub.sequently, however, he was made Colonel of
his old regiment At the battle of South Moun-
tain he received a wound, and while faint and
bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that
won admiration from all.

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment,
after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General,
and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha
division, and for gallant and meritorious ser\'ices
in the battles of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and
Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General.
He was also breveted Major-General, "for gallant
and distingui-shed sen'ices during the campaigns
of 1864, in West Virginia." In the course of his
arduous ser\-ices, four horses were shot from un-
der him, and he was wounded four times.

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress
from the Second Ohio District, which had long
been Democratic. He was not present during the
campaign, and after the election was importuned
to resign his commission in the army; but he fi-
nally declared, " I shall never come to Washing-
ton until I can come by way of Richmond." He
was re-elected in 1866.

In 1867, Gen. Hayes was elected Governor of
Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular
Democrat, and in 1869 was re-elected over George
H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the
third term in 1875.

In 1876 he was the .standard-bearer of the Re-
publican party in the Presidential contest, and
after a hard, long contest was chosen President,
and was inaugurated Monday, March 5, 1877.
He ser\'ed his full term, not, however, with satis-
faction to his party, but his administration was an
average one. The remaining years of his life
were passed quietly in his Ohio home, where he
pa.ssed away January 17, 1893.

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

(lAMES A. GARFIELD, twentieth President
I of the United States, was born November 19,
Q) 1 83 1, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga
Countj-, Ohio. His parents were Abram and
Kliza (Ballou) Garfield, both of New England
ancestry, and from families well known in the
early historj- of that .section of our countrj-, but
who had moved to the Western Reser\-e, in Ohio,
early in its settlement.

The house in which James A. was born was
not unlike the houses of poor Ohio fanners of
that day. It was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs,
with the spaces between the logs filled with clay.
His father was a hard-working farmer, and he
soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted,
and a log barn built. The household comprised |
the father and mother and their four children, !
Mehetabel, Thomas, Marj' and James. In May, ,
1823, the father died from a cold contracted in ,
helping to put out a forest fire. At this time
James was about eighteen months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps,
can tell how much James was indebted to liis
brother's toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty
years succeeding his father's death. He now
lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon,
Ohio, near their birthplace.

The early educational advantages young Gar-
field enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the
njosl of them. He labored at farm work for
others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did
anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid
his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the
little family together. Nor was Gen. Garfield
ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot
the friends of his struggling ciiildhood, youth and
manhood; neither did they ever forget him.
When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest
friend of his boyhoofl was as kindly greeted as
ever. The poorest laborer was .sure of the sym-
pathy of one who had known all the bitterness of

want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple,
plain, modest gentleman.

The highest ambition of young Garfield until
he was about .sixteen years old was to be cap-
tain of a \e.ssel on Lake Erie. He was anxious
to go aboard a ve.s.sel, but this his mother strongly
opposed. She finally consented to his going to
Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that
he should trj' to obtain some other kind of em-
ployment. He walked all the way to Cleveland.
This was his first vi.sit to the city. After making
many applications for work, and trjing to get
aboard a lake ve.s.sel and not meeting with suc-
cess, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal.
He remained at this work but a short time, when
he went home, and attended the seminary at
Chester for about three years. He then entered
Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few
terms of school in the mean time, and doing other
work. This .school was started by the Disciples
of Chri.st in 1850, of which body he was then a
member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in
order to help pay his way. He then became both
teacher and pupil. Soon " exhausting Hiram,"
and needing a higher education, in the fall of 1854
he entered Williams College, from which he grad-
uated in 1856, taking one of the highest honors of
his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram Col-
lege as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian, or Disciples, Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous
member, often preaching in its pulpit and places
where he happened to be.

Mr. Garfield was united in mamage, Novem-
ber II, 1858, with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, who
proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom
all the world loved. To them were born .seven
children, five of whom are still living, four boys
and one girl.

95

JAMES A. GARFIELD.

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in
1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and
three years later he began to speak at county
mass-meetings, and became the favorite speaker
wherever he was. During this year he was
elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to
study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted
to the Bar. The great Rebellion broke out in the
early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once
resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to
defend the Old Flag. He received his commission
as Lieutenant- Colonel of the Fortj'-second Regi-
ment of Ohio Infantry August 14, 1861. He
was immediately put into active service, and be-
fore he had ever seen a gun fired in action, was
placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the able
rebel oflScer, Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky.
This work was bravely and speedil}- accomplished,
although against great odds, and President Lin-
coln commissioned him Brigadier- General, Janu-
ary- 10, 1862; and "as he had bee.i the youngest
man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now
he was the youngest General in the army." He
was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, in its
operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of
the general court martial for the trial of Gen.
Fitz-John Porter. He was next ordered to re-
port to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the
" Chief of Staff. " The military- history of Gen.
Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chick-
amauga, where he won the rank of Major-General.

Without an effort on his part, Gen. Garfield
was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862, from
the Nineteenth Di.strict of Ohio. This section of
Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty
years mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and
Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a strug-
gle that he resigned his place in the army. At
the time he entered Congress he was the youngest
member in that body. There he remained hy
successive re-elections until he was elected Presi-
dent, in 1880. Of his labors in Congre.ss, Senator
Hoar says: "Since the year 1864 you cannot
think of a question which has been debated in

Congress, or discussed before a tribunal of the
American people, in regard to which you will not
find, if you wish instruction, the argument on
one side stated, in almost every instance better
than by' anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings
by Mr. Garfield."

Upon January 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elect-
ed to the United States .Senate, and on the 8th of
June, of the same year, was nominated as the
candidate of his party for President at the great
Chicago Convention. He was elected in the fol-
lowing November, and on March 4, 188 1, was
inaugurated. Probably no administration ever
opened its existence under brighter auspices than
that of President Garfield, and every day it grew
in favor with the people. By the ist of July
he had completed all the initiatory and prelimi-
nary wortc of his administration, and was prepar-
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Will-
iams College. WhUe on his way and at the
depot, in company with Secretary Blaine, a man
stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired
directly at his back. The President tottered and
fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second
shot, the bullet cutting the left coat .sleeve of his
victim, but inflicting no further injury-. It has
been very truthfully said that this w-as ' ' the shot
that was heard around the world. ' ' Never before
in the history- of the nation had any-thing occur-
red which so nearly froze the blood of the people
for the moment as this awful deed. He was
smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his
life, at the summit of his power and hope. For
eighty days, all during the hot months of July-
and August, he lingered and suflfered. He, how-
ever, remained master of himself till the last, and
by his magnificent bearing taught the country
and the w-orld one of the noblest of human les-
sons— how to live grandly in the very clutch of
death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great
in death. He pa.ssed serenely away September
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very- bank of
the ocean, where he had been taken shortly be-
fore. The world wept at his death, as it rarely
ever had done on the death of any other great
and noble man.

^?^.

'.%

^-^/7^)

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

E HESTER A. ARTHUR, twentj-first Presi-
dent of the United States, was born in Frank-
lin County, Vt., on the 5th day of October,
1830, and was the eldest of a family of two sons
and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr.
William Arthur, a Baptist clergj^man, who emi-
grated to this country from Countj' Antrim, Ire-
land, in his eighteenth year, and died in 1875, in
Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and suc-
cessful miuistr>'.

Young Arthur was educated at Union College,
Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies.
After his graduation he taught school in Ver-
mont for two years, and at the expiration of that
time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket,
and entered the office of ex-Judge E. D. Culver
as a student. After being admitted to the Bar, he
formed a partnership with his intimate friend and
room-mate, Heim' D. Gardiner, with the inten-
tion of practicing in the West, and for three
months they roamed about in the Western States
in search of an eligible site, but in the end re-
tunied to New York, where they hung out their
shingle, and entered upon a successful career al-
most from the start. Gen. Arthur soon after mar-
ried the daughter of Lieut. Herndon, of the
United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Con-
gress voted a gold metlal to his widow in recog-
nition of the bravery he di.splayed on that (Kca-
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr.
Arthur's nomination to the Vice-Presidenc>-. leav-
ing two children.

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celel)-
rity in his first great case, the famous I.enunon
suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves
who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of
the Superior Court of New York City. It was in

1852 that Jonathan Lemmon, of Virginia, went xo
New York with his slaves, intending to .ship them
to Texas, when they were discovered and freed.
The Judge decided that they could not be held by
the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl
of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia
Legislature authorized the Attorney-General of
that State to assist in an appeal. William M.
Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to
represent the people, and they won their case,
which then went to the Supreme Court of the
United States. Charles O' Conor here espoused
the cause of the slaveholders, but he, too, w'>s
beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long
step was taken toward the emancipation of the
black race.

Another great service was rendered by Gen.
Arthur in the same cau.se in 1856. Lizzie Jen-
nings, a respectable colored woman, was put off
a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had
paid lier fare. Gen. Arthur sued on her behalf,
and secured a verdict of $500 damages. The next
da}' the company issued an order to admit colored
persons to ride on their cars, and the other car
companies quickly followed their example. Be-
fore that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few
special cars for colored persons, and the other lines
refused to let them ride at all.

Gen. Arthur was a delegate to the convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of
the Second Brigade of the State of New York,
and Gov. Morgan, of that State, appointed him
Engineer-in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was
made Inspector-General, and soon after^vard be-
came Quartcrma.ster-General. In each of these
offices he rendered great ser\ice to the Govern-

lOO

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

ment during the war. At the end of Gov. Mor-
s^an's term he resumed the practice of law, form-
ing a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then
Mr. Phelps, the District Attornej^ of New York,
ivas added to the finn. The legal practice of this
well-known firm was ^•er}• large and lucrative,
as each of the gentlemen composing it was an able
lawyer, and possessed a splendid local reputa-
tion, if not, indeed, one of national extent.

Mr. Arthur always took a leading part in State
and city politics. He was appointed Collector of
the Port of New York by President Grant, No-
vember 21, 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy,
and he held the office until July 20, 1878, when
he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the
famous National Republican Convention held at
Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the
greatest political convention that ever assembled
on the continent. It was composed of the lead-
ing politicians of the Republican party, all able
men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously
and with signal tenacity for his respective can-
didate that was before the convention for the
domination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the
'lomination for President, and Gen. Arthur for
Vice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the his-
tory of our country. Gen. Hancock, the stand-
ard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular
man, and his part>- made a valiant fight for his
election.

Finally the election came, and the country's
choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were in-
augurated March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-
President. A few months only had passed ere
the newly-cho.sen President was the victim of the
as.sas.sin's bullet. Then came terrible weeks of
(Buffering — those moments of anxious suspen.se,
when the hearts of all civilized nations were
throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of
the noble, the good President. The remarkable
patience that he manifested during thf)se hours
i»nd weeks, and even months, of the mo.st terrible
suffering man has ever been called upon to en-
dure, was seemingly more than human. It was

certainly godlike. During all this period of
deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur's every move was
watched, and, be it said to his credit, that his every
action displayed only an earnest desire that the
suffering Garfield might recover to .sen-e the re-
mainder of the term he had so auspiciously be-
gun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in
deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world was at any moment
likely to fall to him.

At last God in his mercy relieved President
Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as
never before in its history over the death of any
other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the
duty of the Vice-President to assume the respon-
sibilities of the high office, and he took the oath
in New York, September 20, 1881. The position
was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so
from the fact that all eyes were on him, anxious
to know what he would do, what policy he would
pursue, and whom he would select as advisers.
The duties of the office had been greatly neglected
during the President's long illness, and many im-
portant measures were to be immediately decided
by him ; and to still further embarass him he did
not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of manj-
on this point. Under these trj-ing circumstances,
President Arthur took the reins of the Goveni-
nient in his own hands, and, as embarrassing as
was the condition of affairs, he happily surprised
the nation, acting so wisely that but few criticized
his administration. He ser\-ed the nation well
and faithfully until the close of his administra-
tion, March 4, 1885, and was a popular candidate
before his party for a second term. His name
was ably presented before the convention at Chi-
cago, and was received with great favor, and
doubtless but for the personal popularity of one
of the opposing candidates, he would have been
selected as the standard-bearer of his part>' for
another campaign. He retired to private life, car-
rying with him the best wishes of the American
people, whom he had ser\-ed in a maimer sati.sfac-
tory to them and with credit to himself. One
year later he was called to his final rest.

THE NEV/ ■

PUBLIC LIE.. a:.;

L

A8TOR, L
TILDEN fX

n

7^-U^

C/c^^/i

STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND.

(pTEPHKN GROVER CLEVELAND, the
2\ twenty-second President of the United States,
V2f ^vas boni in 1837. in the obscure town of
Caldwell, Essex Count}-, N. J., and in a little
two-and-a-half-story white house, which is still
standing to characteristically mark the humble
birthplace of one of America's great men, in
striking contrast with the Old World, where all
men high in office must be high in origin and
bom in the cradle of wealth. When the subject
of this .sketch was three years of age, his father,
who was a Presbjterian minister with a large
family and a small .salary, moved, by way of the
Hud.son River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, N.
v., in search of an increased income and a larger
field of work. Eayetteville was then the most
straggling of countr>^ villages, about five miles
from Ponipey Hill, where Governor Seymour
was born.

At the last-mentioned place young Grover com-
menced going to .school in the good, old-fashioned
way, and presumably distingui.shed himself after
the manner of all village boys — in doing the
things he ought not to do. Such is the dis-
tinguishing trait of all geniu.ses and independent
thinkers. When he arrived at the age of four-
teen years, he had outgrown the capacity of the
village school, and expres.sed a most emphatic de-
.sire to Ik- sent to an academy. To this his fa-
ther decidedly objected. Academies in those
days cost money ; besides, his father wante<l him
to become self-su])porting by the ([uickest pos
sible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville
seemed to he a jwsition in a countn,- store, where
his father and the large family on his hands had

considerable influence. Grover was to be paid
$50 for his services the first year, and if he proved
trustworthy he was to receive $100 the second
year. Here the lad commenced his career as
salesman, and in two j-ears he had earned so good
a reputation for trustworthiness that his employ-
ers de.sired to retain hiiu for an indefinite length
of time.

But instead of remaining with this finu in
Fayetteville, he went with the family in their re-
moval to Clinton, where he had an opportunity
of attending a High School. Here he industri-
ously pursued his studies until the family re-
moved with him to a point on Black River known
as the "Holland Patent," a village of five or six
hundred people, fifteen miles north of Utica, N. V.
At this place his father died, after preaching but
three Sundays. This event broke up the family,
and Grover set out for New York City to accept,
at a small salary, the position of under-teacher
in an a.sylum for the blind. He taught faithfully
for two years, and although he obtained a good
reputation in this capacity, he concluded that
teaching was not his calling in life, and, revers-
ing the traditional order, he left the city to seek
his fortune, instead of going to the city. He first
thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some
charm in that name for him; but before proceed-
ing to that place he went to Buffalo to ask advice
of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a note<l stock-
breeder of that place. The latter did not speak
enthusiastically. "What is it you want to do,
my lx)y?" he a.sked. "Well, sir, I want to study
law," was the reply "Good gracious!" remarked
the old gentleman; " do you, indeed ? Whatever

I04

STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND.

put that into your head ? How much money
have you got?" "Well, sir, to tell the tnith, I
haven't got any."

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him
a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at
$50 a year, while he could look around. One
day soon afterward he boldly walked into the of-
fice of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and
told them what he wanted. A number of young
men were already engaged in the office, but Gro-
ver's persistency won, and he was finally per-
mitted to come as an office boy and have the use
of the law librar}-, receiving as wages the sum of
$3 or $4 a week. Out of this he had to pay for his
board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle's was a long and rugged one; and although
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair, and as for his overcoat he
had none; yet he was, nevertheless, prompt and
regular. On the first day of his service there, his
senior employer threw down a cop>- of Black-
stone before him, with a bang that made the dust
fly, saying "That's where they all begin." A
titter ran around the little circle of clerks and
students, as they thought that was enough to
scare young Grover out of his plans; but in due
time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleve-
land exhibited a talent for executiveness rather
than for chasing principles through all their
metaphy.sical possibilities. "Let us quit talking
and go and do it," was practically his motto.

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland
was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie County,
N. Y., in which Buffalo is situated; and in such
capacity it fell to his dut>^ to inflict capital punish-
ment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was
elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the
Democratic ticket, with especial reference to bring-
ing about certain reforms in the administration
of the municipal affairs of that city. In this of-
fice, as well as in that of Sheriff, his performance
of duty has generally been considered fair, with
possibly a few exceptions, which were ferreted
out and magnified during his Presidential cam-
paign. As a sjjecimep of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an

iniquitous street-cleaning contract: "This is a
time for plain speech, and my objection to your
action .shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the
culmination of a most bare-faced, impudent and
shameless scheme to betray the interests of the
people and to wor.se than squander the people's
money." The New York Sutt afterward very
highly commended Mr. Cleveland's administra-
tion as Mayor of Buffalo, and thereupon recom-
mended him for Governor of the Empire State.
To the latter office he was elected in 1882, and
his administration of the affairs of State was
generally .satisfactory. The mistakes he made,
if any, were made ver\- public throughout the na-
tion after he was nominated for President of the
United States. For this high ofiice he was
nominated July 11, 1884, by the National Demo-
cratic Convention at Chicago, when other com-
petitors were Thomas F. Bayard, Roswell P.
Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F.
Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc. ; and he was
elected by the people, by a majority of about a
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Re-
publican statesman, James G. Blaine. President
Cleveland resigned his office as Governor of New
York in January, 1885, in order to prepare for
his duties as the Chief Executive of the United
States, in which capacity his term commenced at
noon on the 4th of March, 1885.

The silver question precipitated a controversy
between those who were in favor of the continu-
ance of silver coinage and those who were op-
posed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter,
even before his inauguration.

On June 2, 1886, President Cleveland married
Frances, daughter of his deceased friend and part-
ner, Oscar Folsom, of the Buffalo Bar. Their
union has been bles.sed by the birth of two daugh-
ters. In the campaign of 1888, President Cleve-
land was renominated by his party, but the
Republican candidate. Gen. Benjamin Harrison,
was victorious. In the nominations of 1892
these two candidates for the highest position in
the gift of the people were again pitted against
each other, and in the en.suing election President
Cleveland was victorious by an overwhelming
majority.

^=fe/^. ^^^

<^Z^^--^7X^L<^--^~-v<.

BENJAMIN HARRISON.

ni'NJAMIN HARRISON, the twent>--third
IC\ I'resident, is the desceudant of uiie of the
d/ historical families of this country. The first
kiK'Wii head of the family was Maj.-Gen. Harrison,
one of Uliver Cromwell's trusted followers and
fighters. In the zenith of Cromwell's power it be-
came the duty of this Harrison to participate in
the trial of Charles I., and afterward to sign the
death warrant of the king. He subsequently
paid for this with his life, being hung October 13,
1660. His descendants came to America, and
the next of the family that appears in history is
Benjamin Harrison, of \'irginia. great-grandfa-
ther of the subject of this sketch, and after whom
he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a mem-
l>er of the Continental Congress during the years
'774. '775 3"*' '776, and was one of the original
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He
was three times elected Governor of \'irginia.

Gen. William Henr>- Harrison, the .son of the
iistinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a
successful c.nreer as a soldier during the War of
1812, and with a clean record as Governor of the
Northwestern Territory, was elected President of
the United States in 1840. His career was cut
short by death within one month after his in-
auguration.

President Harrison was born at Nortli Bend.

Hamilton County, Ohio, August 20, 1833. His
life up to the time of his graduation from Miami
University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful
one of a country lad of a family of small means.
His father was able to give him a good education,
and nothing more. He became engaged while at
college to the daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of
a female school at Oxford. After graduating, he
determined to enter upon the study of law. He
went to Cincinnati and there read law for two
years. At the expiration of that time young Har-
rison received the only inheritance of his life — his
aunt, d> ing, left him a lot valued at J800. He
regarded this legacy as a fortune, and decided to
get married at once, take this money and go to
some Ea.stem town and begin the practice of law.
He sold his lot, and, with the money in his [locket,
he started out with his young wife to fight for a
place in the world. He decided to go to Indian-
apolis, which was even at that time a town of
promise. He met with slight encouragement at
first, making scarcely anything the first year.
He worked diligently, applying himself closely to
his calling, bnilt up an extensive practice and
took a leading rank in the legal ])iofession.

In i860, Mr, Harrison was nominate<i for the
position of vSupreme Court Reporter, and then be-
gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can-

io8

BENJAMIN HARRISON.

vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by
a handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the
Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its
Colonel. His regiment was composed of the raw-
est material, but Col. Harrison employed all his
time at first in mastering militar}- tactics and drill-
ing his men, and when he came to move toward
the East with Sherman, his regiment was one of
the best drilled and organized in the army. At
Resaca he especially distinguished himself, and
("or his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made
a Brigadier-General, Gen. Hooker speaking of
him in the most complimentar>- terms.

During the absence of Gen. Harriison in the
field, the Supreme Court declared the office of
Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another
person was elected to the position. From the
time of leaving Indiana with his regiment until
the fall of 1 864 he had taken no leave of absence,
but having been nominated that year for the same
office, he got a thirty-day leave of absence, and
during that time made a brilliant canvass of the
State, and was elected for another term. He then
started to rejoin Sherman, but on the way was
stricken down with scarlet fever, and after a most
trying attack made his way to the front in time to
participate in the closing incidents of the war.

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election
as Reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In
1876 he was a candidate for Governor. Although
defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for
him a national reputation, and he was much sought
after, especially in the East, to make speeches.
In 1880, as usual, he took an active part in the
campaign, and was elected to the United States
Senate. Here he served for six years, and was
known as one of the ablest men, best lawyers and
strongest debaters in that body. With the ex-
piration of his .senatorial term he returned to the
practice of his profession, becoming the head of
one of the strongest firms in the vState.

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the
most memorable in the history of our country.
The convention which assembled in Chicago in
June and named Mr. Harrison as the chief stind-
ard-bearer of the Republican party was great in
every particular, and on t'lis account, and the at-

titude it assumed upon the vital questions of the
day, chief among which was the tariff, awoke a
deep interest in the campaign throughout the
nation. Shortly after the nomination, delegations
began to visit Mr. Harri.son at Indianapolis, his
home. This movement became popular, and from
all sections of the country societies, clubs and
delegations journeyed thither to pay their re-
spects to the distinguished statesman.

Mr. Harrison spoke daily all through the sum-
mer and autumn to these visiting delegations,
and .so varied, masterly, and eloquent were his
speeches that they at once placed him in the fore-
most rank of American orators and statesmen.
Elected by a handsome majority, he ser\-ed his
country faithfully and well, and in 1892 was nom-
inated for re-election; but the people demanded a
change and he was defeated by his predecessor
in office, Grover Cleveland.

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and
his power as a debater. Gen. Harri.son was called
upon at an early age to take part in the dis-
cu.ssion of the great questions that then began to
agitate the countrj'. He was an uncompromising
anti-slavery man, and was matched against some
of the most eminent Democratic speakers of his
State. No man who felt the touch of his blade
desired to be pitted witli him again. With all
his eloquence as an orator he never spoke for ora-
torical effect, but his words always went like bul-
lets to the mark. He is purely American in his
ideas, and is a splendid tyf>e of the American
statesman. Gifted with quick perception, a logi-
cal mind and a ready tongue, he is one o( the
most di.stingui.shed impromptu speakers in the
nation. Many of these speeches sparkled with the
rarest eloquence and contained arguments of great
weight, and many of his terse statements ha\e
already become aphorisms. Original in thought,
precise in logic, tense in statement, yet withal
faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as the
sound statesman and brilliant orator of the day.
During the last days of his administration Presi-
dent Harrison sufTered an irreparable U)ss in the
death of his devoted wife, Caroline i Scott 1 Har-
rison, a lady of many womanly charms and vir-
tues. They were the parents of two children.

i

^T4^ I (i-^v

Wyjfi

^

WINONA COUNTY,

MINNESOTA.

V

♦j.--^*^'-

7/?^i>^^ \:'U'

#

t-'^ r^

,-+++ ^: : 1-++-.

++++ ' ^^ ++++

++++ W ++++W
++++ ++++

■■+++ ^ +++••

9-+++++

*-5^

INTRODUQT^ORY

HE time has arrived when it
becomes the duty of the
people of this county to per-
petuate the names of their
pioneers, to furnish a record
of their early settlement,
and relate the story of their
progress. The civilization of our
day, the enlightenment of the age
and the duty that men of the pres-
ent time owe to their ancestors, to
themselves and to their posterity,
demand that a record of their lives
and deeds should be made. In bio-
graphical history is found a power
to instruct man by precedent, to
enliven the mental faculties, and
to waft down the river of time a
sate vessel in which the names and actions of the
peojjie who contributed to raise this country from its
primitive state may be prcserv^jd. Surely and rapidly
the (^reat and aged men, who in their ijriine entered
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re-
maining wlio can relate the incidents of the first days
jf settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser-
vation of events without delay, before all the early
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time.

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough,
in spile of their best works and the most e.irnest
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of
their lives. The means employed to prevent oblivion
and to |>erpctuate their memory has been in proiwr-
tion to the amount of intelligence they (xjssessed.
Th; pyramids of Kgypt were built to perpetuate the
names and deeds of their great rulers.. The exhu-
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people

to perpetuate the memory of their achievements
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the
Greeks and Ramans erecting mausoleums and monu-
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their
great achievements and carry them down the ages.
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea —
to leave something to show that they had lived. All
these works, though many of them costly in the ex-
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac-
ters of those whose memory they were intended to
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity;
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum-
bling into dust.

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli-
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating
a full history — immutable in that it is almost un-
limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and
this is through the art of printing.

To the present generation, however, we are in-
debted for the introduction of the admirable system
of local biography. By this system every man, though
he has not achieved what the world calls greatness,
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history,
through the coming ages.

The scythe of Time cuts down all ; nothing of the
physical man is left. The monument which his chil-
dren or friends may erect to his memory in theceme-
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished,
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated
by a record of this kind.

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we
engrave their |K)rtraits, for the same reason we col-
let t the aiiainable facts of their history. Nor do we
think it necessary, a-i we s|ieak only tiuth of them, to
wait until they are dead, or until ilmse who know
them are gone: to do this we arc a-.li.imcd only to
publish to the world the history of those whose live"
arc unwo'thy of uublic record

J

jf^^^^^^mi^

w

^s^

3i& 3ie ei&

-iff .-affrr

-« ■< -

.M^. ^f^ ,Mip

"^1

Hi

5(?

|M^ .^

John Arnot flathews.

:ii ixi ai& ^t& s:(& at& «& «e (ijM

^•s ^ie 9» $;)&

-:— ^-

•-« — ^:-

IdllN AHNOT MATHEWS, a real-estate anil
loan agent, who is doing a successful business
,__ in Winona, where he has carried on operations
since IM.io, is a s(tn of Henry H. .Mathews,
wlio was born near Klniira, N. Y. The grandfather.
Col. Selah Mathews, with several brothers, removed
from Orange County to Tioga (now Chemung)
County, N. Y., about 1790. The original Ameri-
can ancestor was closely connected by marriage
with (lovernor Kletcher, and in an early day in
Colonial history came with him to this coun-
try. Colonel .Mathews was a Federalist of the
old .Hchool, and stood at the head of local affairs
in Tioga County for many years. His brother,
(len. Vincent Mathews, wlu) died in Rochester,
N. Y., in 1H17, held the ollicc of District Attorney
for the Western District for many years, and
served both in the Slate Legislature .-ind the Slate
Senate, and in the Congress of the I'niled Stales.
For forty years he was recognized as the most
prominent lawyer at the lOlmira Har. (Jeneral
.Mathews left Klniira for Bath, where he resided
for a short time, and then removed to Rochester,
N. Y., where at a ripe old age he died, universal-

ly lamented. His portrait now graces the court-
rooms in Rochesler and Canandaigua, N. Y.

When a young man, in 18l',t, Henry 11. Mathews
entered the store of .lohn Arnot, of KImira, N. Y.,
and soon after married Isabella Arnot, a sister of
his employer and a native of Perthshire, Scotland,
who came to America about IHO.'i. He then en-
gaged in merchandising at Painted Post with Mr.
Arnot, and while there residing filled many re-
sponsible positions. Subsequently he returned to
Klmira, and w;i.s made its Postmaster by Gen.
Zachary Taylor, a position whicli he tilled for sev-
eral years.

.John Arnot Mathews, one of Winona's repre-
sentative business men, was born in Klmira, N. Y.,
April U, 18'24, and is the eldest in a family of
nine children, eight of whom grew to mature
years, while five are yet living and are residents
of Minnesota. His boylmod days were pa.ssed in
his native city and at Painted Post, and he became
familiar with business men and inelhods in his fa-
ther's mercantile establishmenl. At the age of
nineteen he returned to Klmira, where ho attended
school and worked on his father's farm until 1845.

118

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lie then removed to Tioga, Pa., whore lie became
clerk in the store of 15. C. Wickhain &, Co., witli
whom he continued two years. In company with
two other 3'oung men he then hougiilout the store,
and carried on an extensive and successful busi-
ness until 1853.

The following year Mr. Mathews sought a home
in the West. He stopi^ed for a time at McGregor,
Iowa, visited many points in the northeasiern part
of that state, and explored the pine woods of Wis-
consin with a view to engaging in the lumber busi-
ness. A land-office was then at Stevens' Point,
Wis., and he became attracted by the opportunities
offered for dealing in laud-warrants and locating
them on time to actual settlers. There was also a
land-office at Brownsville, Minn , and from that
place he started out on an exploring tour. While
at Chattield, Minn., he heard parties from Winona
speaking of the town, and resolved to come to
this place after his return to McGregor. On a
small stern-wheel steamer he came up the Missis-
sippi, reaching his destination in July, 1854. Not
being favorably impressed with the location, he
took the next steamer for Red Wing, Minn., where
there was also a land-office, and then visited Dodge
and other counties in Minnesota, after which he
returned to McGregor, Iowa. In the succeeding
autumn he returned to Tioga, Pa., but had de-
termined that he would locate at McGregor. Red
Wing or Winona. The land-oflice was located at
the last-named place in the spring of 1855, and in
the autumn Mr. Mathews o|)ened here his real-
estate and loan office.

On the 9th of October of that year Mr. Mathews
was united in marriage with Miss Ellen B. Bush, a
native of Tioga, Pa., and a daughter of A. C. Bush,
of thai place. Their wedding was celebrated in

Tioga, and they at once started for Winona, arriv-
ing here in time for the land sales in the latter part
of October. Mr. Mathews began to buy and sell
land- warrants, to locate lands and loan money.
For a year he spent half of each day in a land-ottice,
and continued this business until the removal of
the oflice to Faribault. He has now been engaged
in loaning money for nearly forty years. He loans
on real-estate security and makes a specialty' of
farm loans. He has done a good business and has
ever had the conlidence and trust, as well as the
high regard, of those with whom he has been
brought in contact.

Mr. and Mrs. Mathews have no children of their
own, but have reared two of his brother Henr3''8
children: Jennie C, now the wife of K. S. (iregory;
anil Isabella A., wife of E. J. Chamberlain. Mr.
Mathews has always been a supporter of the Dem-
ocracy. He h.as never cared to become prominent
111 the councils of his party, but believes in and
upholds its principles. For four terms he held
the office of Mayor of the city, and took a decided
stand against the city issuing bonds for the as-
sistance of the railroads; and eveu when a stock-
lioldcr and one of the Directors of the Winona &
South-western Railroad and Mayor of the city he
was true to this belief. He has always taken a warm
interest in everything pertaining to the advance-
ment of Winona, and is public spirited and pro-
gressive. For almost forty years he has been
identilied with the history of this community, and
his worth is recognized by his fellow-townsmen.
He is one of the most iH)pular citizens of Winona,
is asafe and substantial busiiu'ss man, a true friend,
anil has llie conlidence of the jieople in an unusual
degree.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

119

William W. Caine.

\ "\ i^lLLIAM W. CAINE, who resides on
\/ \/ section 14, Wisco}' Township, has to
some extent passed an eventful life,
lie h:ib lived as a pioneer, and during the Civil
War was numbered among the boys in blue who
defended the Union against the rebellion of the
Soutli. He comes from the old Bay State, his
birth iiaving occurred in Boston, Mass., on the
22d of August, 1837. His father, Thomas Caine,
was a native of the Isle of Man, and the family is
of Knglish origin. He married Miss Mary Callis-
ter, and to them were born seven children.
Thomas, who is a carpenter, resides in Hingiiam,
M.nss. Mary died .January 17, 1868. John enlisted
Ml the regular army in 185!*, became a member of
the .Seventh I'nited States Infantry, and was one
of the heroes who fell at the hard-fought battle of
(Gettysburg, on the .^d of .Inly, 1863. His remains
were interred on the battlefield. Margaret died
Octoljer 15. 1857. Abigail is the wife of .lohn .lef-
ries, an iron-molder of Ilinghani. Mass. William
W. is the next younger. Robert enlisted .as a ]m-
vate of Company I), Third Wisconsin Infantry,
.\pril 25, 1861, and was wounded by n minie-ball
.'it the battle of Chancellorsville, but continued in
the service until after the close of the war. Hi-
now ie„sides in Dodge County, Wis.

William W. Caine Ijegan his cducntion in the
public schools of Boston, and when twelve years of
age went on Ixjard a ship, where he remained two
years. In 1B52 we find him in the Mississippi
Valley, the journey westward having been made
bv way of the I^kcs and bv rail. He l)ccame a

resident of Chester, Dodge County, Wis., and be-
gan working as a farm hand by the month, thus
serving until 1855, when with ox-teams he made
an overland trip to Kansas, settling in Anderson
County. There he i)re-empted one hundred and
sixty .icres of land, but was driven away from his
home by border ruftiaus. During his stay there he
served as a scout, and once w.as shot with a double-
barrelled gun, the charge being imbedded in his
foot.

Returning to Dodge County, Mr. Caine then
continued to work as a farm hand until, feeling
that his country needed his services, he responded
to the President's call for volunteers to serve
three years. He joined Company I), Third Wis-
consin Infantry, August 21, 1861, and was mus-
tered into the service at Waupun, Wis. The first
engagement in which he participated was at Cedar
Mountain, after which he took part in the battles
of Antietam, Chancelloi-sville, Beverly Ford and
Gettysburg. He then went to New York City
with his regiment in order to quell the riots there,
and remained in the city for about a month. The
troops then returned to Virginia, followed Lee
acro,ss the river, and proceeded to Lookout Moun-
tain, where a battle occurred. Mr. Caine also par-
ticipated in the eng.igoments at Buzzard's Boost,
Hesacn, Dallas*, Pine Mountain, Kenesaw Moun-
tain and the Atlanta campaign, then went with
Sherman on the inarch to the sea and through the
Carolinas. The last engagement in which he par-
ticipated was at B*nlonville, N. C. At the battle
of K«saca a shell burst near his lieail and has

120

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

caused a partial loss of liis hearing. He was
wouiuled l)ya piece ofsiiell at the liattie of Dallas.
At Kingston, Ga., he was promoted to the rank of
Corporal, and at Louisville, Ky., he was mustered
out, while at Madison, Wis., on the '2(5th of Au-
gust, 1865, he received an honorable discharge.

Mr. Caine, -when his countr^^ no longer needed
his services, returned to his home in Dodge C'oun-
ty. Wis., and there engaged in farming until Oc-
tober, 1865, when he came to Winona County,
and settled ujion the farm which has since been
his home. It comprises eighty acres of good land
on section 14, Wiscoy Township, and he carries on
general farming with good success, his place being
under a high state of cultivation and well im-
proved.

On the 2d of September, 1860, Mr. Caine wed-
ded Miss Mary Cowell. They have five children,
namely: Mary K., wife of Thomas O'Brian, a
farmer, residing in Wilson Township; Belbert, an
agriculturist living in Wiscoy Township; Elsie,
wife of Fred Harvey, a farmer of Wiscoy Town-
ship; and Alice and Annie, at home. Mr. Caine
has always been a supporter of the Republican
party, and is now serving as Assessor of his town-
ship, a position he has filled for twelve years. He
is also School Clerk. Socially he is connected
with the Grand Army of the Republic and with
the Odd Fellows' lodge. His life has been well and
worthily spent, and all who know him hold him in
high regard.

William Watts.

WILLIAM WATTS, who follows farm-
ing and stock-raising on section 16,
Saratoga Township, was born in Coun-
ty Sligo, Ireland, in Novemljcr, 1811, and is a son
of Henry and Rachel (Londey) Watts, whose fam-
ily numbered five children, three sons and two
daugiiters. With his brothers and sisters Will-
iam was reared on the hopie farm, the duties of
which were soon made familiar to him, for he early
began work in tiie fields. He received no special
school privileges, in fact he is largely self-educated,
but lie possesses an ob.serving eye and retentive
memory antl lias become well informed.

Mr. Watts started out in life for himself at the
age of twenty-one, and secured a position as fore-
man on a large farm in his native land, of which
he had charge until his emigration to America. In

1868 he bade adieu to his friends and home in
the Emerald Isle and sailed for the New World,
landing in New York City, but he did not seek a
residence in the Empire State. Instead he came
at once to Minnesota, and located in Saratoga
Township, Winona County. Here for six years
he was employed as a farm hand by the month,
and at the expiration of that period he had |tl,378
due him. During four years he w.as never absent
from his work for a single day.

With the capital he had acquired through ear-
nest and untiring labor, through perseverance and
good manngcinenl, Mr. Watts then purchased a
farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section
7, Saratoga Township, of partially improved land.
He commenced its further development and culti-
vation, and for eight years made it his home, after

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

121

wliicli he sold out ."uid puix-liasi-il llic faiiii wliicli
is now his plare of residence. It foinpriscs two
hundred acres of rich and arable land, which yields
to him a golden tribute in return for the care and
labor lie bestows upon it. He lias also been very
successful as a stock-raiser, and makes a specialty of
the breeding of Poland-China hogs, in consequence
of which the farm is known as the Poland-China
Stock Farm. All of the improvements thereon
are the work of Mr. Watts, who is an industrious
and enterprising man, devoted to his business in-
terests and his family, lie has worked his way up-
ward from an humble position to one of affluence.

and llioiijfh he has met with obstacles and diflicul-
ties in his path, he has overcome these by deter-
mined effort and good management. He well de-
serves great credit for his success.

In 1876 Mr. Watts wedded Miss Mary J. Mc-
Keowen. They have seven children: Rachel M.,
Annie M., Mary .1., Henry W., Florence, Maggie
and Samuel C. Mr. Watts has never aspired to
ollice, and votes with the Populist party. He is a
member of the Episcopal Church, and takes an act-
ive interest in everything pertaining to the welfare
of the coramunitv.

Cyrus Crosgrove.

eYRlS CROSGROVH, who occupies a lead-
ing position in l)usiness circles, and is rec-
ognized as one of the representative citi-
zens of Winona, is nf)W engaged in the wholesale
and retail harness trade. This enterprise is one of
the centers of industry in the city, and at its head
is a young man whose progressive spirit and in-
domitable energy will win him success in what-
ever he undertakes. He is numbered among Wi-
nona's native sons, his liirtli having here occurred
on the 2Cth of October, 1862, and he is the eldest in
a family of four children, whose parents were !{f>b-
ert and Mary (Sinclair) Crosgrove. Sylvia, the
second, is now the wife of J. K. Whiting, of St.
Charles; .Mildred is the wife of A. I). Palmer, of
Austin, Minn.; and Frederick, the youngest, issllll
at home. The father of this family was born in
Ireland, and during his infancy was brought to

America by his parents, who settled in New York,
where he was reared to manhood on a farm. In
tlie spring of 1856 he came to Wiiioun, having
made the journey on foot from Milwaukee. Here
he entered land from the Government, near the
county seat, and at once began its development
and cultivation, which he carried on in connec-
tion with his trade of harness-making for some
time. Ill 1870 ho opened a retail haiiiess store,
which he conducted up to the time of his death,
becoming the leader in this line in the city. Ilu
was a very energetic man, who earned forward to
a successful completion whatever he undertook.
He met obstacles and ditllculties in his path, but
these he overrame by a determined effort and
steadily worked his way upward to prosperity,
lie was called to the home beyond in .lanuary,
18'J2, when fifty-four years of age. His wife, a

122

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

native of Maine, is still residing in Winona. She
is a daughter of C. B. Sinclair, one of the honored
pioneers and repiesenlativc citizens of this county.
No event of special importance occurred during
the childhood and youth of Cyrus Crosgrove. lie
remained at home and attended the common
schools, the State Normal and a business college
until twenty years of age, thus acquiring an excel-
lent education, which has well fitted him for the
practical duties of life. During that time he also
learned the harness-maker's trade in his father's
shop. He then went to Estelline, S. Dak., where
he established a retail harness shop, and during
the next ten years conducted three shops at dififer-
ent points. Upon his father's death he returned
to Winona and look charge of the harness business
which had been established years before, and which
he yet carries on. He has a full and complete
stock of harness, his store being the largest of the
kind in southern Minnesota. For years his trade

has constantly increased, until it has now assumed
extensive proportions.

On the 1st of July, 1890, Mr. Crosgrove was
joined in wedlock with Miss Mary Belle Clarke, a
daughter of Doran Clarke, one of the pioneer sct-
llcr.s of this cily. Two children bless tliis union,
Kllen and Robert. Mr. Crosgrove, who vote^ with
the Democracy,warmly advocates its principles, and
served as State Representative while in South Da-
kota in 1888. He was also Mayor of the town in
which he lived, and was a i)rominent and influen-
tial citizen, who had the confidence and respect of a
wide circle of friends and acquaintances. He now
holds membership with Winona Lodge No. 18, A.
F. & A. M. One of the leading and wide-awake
young business men of Winona, he is popular
in social circles, where his pleasant and genial
manner makes him a great favorite. Were all her
native sons like Mr. Crosgrove, Winona would be
a model city.

Leonard Knapp.

■f EONARD KNAPP, of St. Chailes, who for
I Cy many years was extensively engaged in
farming and stock-raising, but is now prac-
tically living a retired life, is one of the well
known and highly respected citizens of Winona
County. A native of New York, he was born in
Ilarrisburg Township, I^ewis County, on the 17th
of February, 182.5. The family was founded in
New England during Colonial da^'s, and the grand-
father, Wright Knap]), was probably a native of
Connecticut. Oerman Knap)), the father of Leon-
ard, was born in Genesee County, N. V., in 1800,
and having arrived at mature years, he married

Catherine Elliott, a native of Dutchess County,
N. Y., and a daughter of Kicliard Elliott, who was
born in Ireland, and died when Catherine was
eight years of age. German Knapp was called to
the home beyond in his seventy-sixth year.

The gentleman whose name heads this notice
was reared on the old home farm until bis twenty-
third year, when he left the parental roof with the
intention of trying his fortune in the West. In
1847 he emigrated to Wisconsin, settling in I>c Roy,
Dodge County, where he secured Government land
for *1.25 per acre. He liuill a log house, with a
trough roof and puncheon floor, in the midst of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1-23

tlie timber and three miles from a neighbor. There
he contiiuied to live for seven years l)efore his
marria<;e. On the 2fl of April, 1854, in his thirli-
etli year, he wedded Miss Saiah Thompson, and
the next month came to Minnesota, reachino; Do-
ver Township. Olmsted County, on the ■27th of
May. The previous winter he had visited this
place in company with George Clark, the pioneer
resident of Winona. lie selected land on section
26, Dover Township, then known !is Township lOG,
Range 11, west. He was the first actual settler in
Dover Township, and there were not more than
live or six families in Olmsted County. William
Potter and Ben Bear and a few residents in Eyota
Township comprised the inhabitants of the county.
In July of that year Rochester obtained its first
permanent settlers, John and (ieorge Head. Mr.
Knapp had for a neighbor Lewis H. Springer, of
St. Charles, who h.ad come to the county in 1853
and erected a log house near the site of the village,
in which he carried on a hotel. William Davison
lived in St. Charles Township, two miles north of
the town, and there were but two settlers on the
prairie east of Mr. Knapp's home. Our subject
sought for a stock farm where he could have botlj
water and limber, aiid found the land he desired
in what is now Olmsted, but was then a part of
Fillmore County. He had twenty-one head of
cattle, and his possessions altogether were valued
at about ijtl.OOO. Mr. Knapp lived in his tent un-
til the latter part of July, when he built a log cab-
in, covering it with hay. He turned his attention
to stock-growing, and in IHGl sold his original
farm and purchasefl an adjoining tract, on which
he lived until 1892. He made a specialty of the
breeding of cattle and shee|), and brought the first
Shorthorn bull into the county. The boundaries
of the home farm he extended until it comprised
two hundred and fortj' acres, and lieaLso purcha.sed
other land, but disposed of the greater part of tlli^
on coming to St. Charles.

In 18(M Mr. Knapji was called upon \i< iiKnirn
the loss of his wife, who died on the 2llh of .March.
They had three children, but the eldest died at the
age of two years. Kate is now the wife of Horace
M. Sherman, of Hrown County. Minn.; and Wright
18 a farmer of Washington. .Mi. Knapp was again

married, in Rochester, January 18, 1867, hissecond
union being with Mrs. Liicretia (Harris) Groom.
She died November 16, 1880, leaving a son, George
L., now in Colorado. On the 1st of Februarj',
18H4, Mr. Kna])]) married Mrs. Martha J. Water-
man, widow of Elliston C. Waterman, of Wabasha
County. She was born in Guilford. Windham
County, Vt., July 15, 18.33, and was a daughter of
David and Abigail (Marsh) Houghton, who came
to Minnesota in 1870, and spent their last days in
Wabasha County. She was married in Dodge
County, Wis., October 16, 1854, to William D.
Woodward, of New Hampshire, and the same fall
came to Minnesota, locating in Quincy Township,
in the extreme northeast corner of Olmsted Coun-
ty. It was a timber claim, and Mr. Woodward
and Mr. Wetmore started a sawmill, the machin-
ery for which had been brought from Massachu-
setts by the former. He soon sold out and not long
after settled on a farm in Wabasha County, where
he died in 1871. Three years later Mrs. Wood-
ward became the wife of Mr. Waterm.in. and made
her home in Wabasha County until his death. Her
son had settled on a farm, and she removed to El-
gin, where she lived until becoming the wife of
Mr. Knapp. By her Hist marriage she had four
sons and oue daughter: William Henry, who now
operates the farm; David Orlo, of Spokane, Wash.;
Mary Ella, who died January 21, 1883, at the age
of twenty years; Everett Ellsworth, of Nevada;
and Albert Alvin, of Clark County, S. Dak.

Since 1892 Mr. Knapp has lived in St. Charles.
His home is located on a six-acre tract of land and
is a valuable and desirable property. His posses-
sions have all been acquired through his own efforts,
and he may truly be called a self-made man. His
business career has been one of success, and he is
now numbered among the substantial citizens of
Winona County. When starting out in life for
himself amid the wilderness of Wisconsin, hav-
ing no near companions, he devoted a good deal of
time to close study of a Bible which his mother
had given him on leaving home. He lii-st read it
with interest, then studied and familiarized himself
with it, and soon knew every iinixirtjint text in it;
but he found many opposing statements and that

124

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the recuicl of important events was often given in
contr.idictun' ways, lie would often read until
one or two o'clock in the morning, and n)ade a
thorough study of the book, but after a time felt
that he could not accept its statements and became

an infidel. This was before he had ever read Paine,

Voltaire or other infidel writers. He is a man
strong in argument and takes great delight in the
same. In politics he is not strictly partisan, but
usually voles with the Democracy.

James Chambers.

JAMES CHAMBERS has been one of the es-
teemed citizens and leading agriculturists of
this county for about thirty years. He is a
veteran of the Civil War, and has suffered se-
verely for the Union cause, as he was wounded by a
minie-ball, which lodged in the right leg, above the
knee, and this resulted in much trouble for the
worthy soldier. He enlisted as a private, and
when he left the service bore the rank of Corporal.
Mr. Chambers was born in Newburg, Orange
County, N. Y., on Christmas Day, 1830, and is
the son of Samuel and Jane (McCord) Chambers.
They were the parents of six children, among them
being William; John, who died in defense of the
Old Flag; and Lizzie. John, above mentioned, en-
listed as a soldier and was an ollicer at the time of
his death in the One Hundred and Twenty-fourth
Regiment of New York Infantry. Ills death occur-
red in the citj' of Washington in 18(54. from ex-
posure in the service. He was an exemplary sol-
dier, as the record proves.

The earl^' years of our subject were passed quiet-
ly near the beautiful village of Newburg. The
boy was trained to farm life, and became thorough-
ly familiar with its practical workings by actual

experience. When seventeen years of .age he be-
gan to make his own way in the world, entirely
through his own efforts. His first employment
w.as .as a farm hand, and he continued in this field
of labor until 184o, when he went to Michigan.
.Settling in Oakland County, he continued there to
make his home until he was enrolled as a private
soldier, in 1864, when he was placed in Com-
pany C, Fifth Michigan Cavalry. He was sent to
Grand Rapids, thence to Stcvensburg, Va., and
his first action on the field of battle was near Rich-
mond, under Kilpatrick. Thence he proceeded
down the Shenandoah A'alley, participating in the
Battle of the Wilderness, Spollsylvania and many
other engagements of lesser imporl.aiice. He con-
tinued to serve until near the close of the war,
being discharged March 10. 18G6.

Returning to Michigan, our subject remained in
that state until the summer of 1866, when he con-
cluded to try his fortunes farther west, and accord-
ingly came to Winona County. He first located
in I'lea.sant Hill Township, and still owns eighty
acres of land on section 21. His place is well
e(iuipped with good buildings. .■;ul)staiuial fences,
and various other improvements, and is kept under

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPinCAL RECORD.

12.5

good cultivation. In his political faith Mr. Cham-
bers is a Democrat, and though not desirous of
holding oflicial positions, has served as a member
of the Board of Townsliip Supervisors, occupying
the post of Ciiairman. He is a member of the
Grand Army of the Repul)lic, and can always be
rehed upon lo use his inlluence in l)ehnlf of all
worthy enterprises and measures calculated to ad-
vance the public good.

June 15, 1866, Mr. Chambers married Miss

Amelia S. Cottrelle. One child has been born of
their union, Amelia, who is now the wife of Will-
iam Ooss, a leading farmer of this township. The
young couple have three children: .lolin W.,
Homer and .Samuel. Tiie Chambers family num-
ber many warm friends in the community with
which tiiey have been identified for the past three
decades, and their hospitable doors are alwa^'s open
for the reception of their numerous acquaintances
and well-wishers.

William Hendee.

WILLIAM HENDEE, who has been offi-
cially connected with the interests of
St. Charles, and has long been recog-
nized as one of its representative citizens, is now
living retired, lie was born near St. Catharines,
Ontarif), Seplembi'r 23, 1810, and is a son of .\cil
anri Elizabeth (Mann) Hendee, the former a native
of New York, and the latter of Canada. 'I'lie fa-
ther was a cariwntcr by trade. He died when
William was a year old, after which his widow be-
came the wife of Amos Dakins. William Hendee
then remained with his mother until fourteen
years of age, when he chose an uncle as guardian,
who bound him out lo another uncle on a farm,
where he remained for three and a-half years. On
the expiration of that period he began working
by the day as a farm hand. Six months later he
sought a lu>nie in the West, hoping thereby to
l)cnetit ills nnancial condition. He went to Dun-
das, Minn., and worked on a farm for one man for
sixteen years, his services being employed in the
fields during the summer months, while in the
winter season he engaged in hauling logs. Dur-

ing the first six years of his long engagement he
only lost six days, and his faithfulness to his em-
ployer's interest won him the confidence and re-
spect of all. He first received ^lOil per year, and
after the first six years he began operating a farm
for himself, having from ten to fourteen men un-
der bis charge. He worked exlronioly bard, so that
his health almost failed him, and in the spring of
18,"),") he came to Winona County in company with
!i blacksmith, ,lolin Eilsbury, now of Dover.

Through the inlluence of Mr. Eilsbury Mr. Hen-
dee returned to this place in the si>ring and took
up a (luartcr-section of land lying just northe.ist
of .St. Charles and adjoining the town. He had
about ^1,200 in cash, and with this he made astnrt
in his new home. He built a log shanty and at
once began to claar and improve his land. In the
fall he erected a frame house, ir)x22 feet in dimen-
sions, then the best dwrlliiig in St. Charles. Here
he entertained all the preachers and business men
who came to this place. His time and attention
were devoted to agricultural pursuit.s, and he suc-
cessfully carried on the farm until Octolicr, 1883,

126

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

when he came to the town. He had added to his
first purchase of land, and at length disposed of
tlie old homestead by selling it to his son. He was
a most energetic anil untiring worker, but at
lengtli his once strong constitution was forced to
give way before the great strain placed upon it,
and for the past ten years he has been a constant
sufferer from inflammatory rheumatism.

On the 31st of August, 1843, in West Flamboro.
Wentvvorth County, Ontario, Mr. Heudee was mar-
ried to Miss Mary Curamings, who was born near
Hamilton, Canada, on the 1st of March, 1822. For
more than a half-century they have traveled life's
journey together, sharing with each other in the
joys and sorrows, adversitj- and prosperity which
checker the pathwa}- of all, and in 18i>3 tliey cele-
brated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage
by a golden wedding. In which many friends and
relatives joined with them in commernoraling the
day. In their family were eleven children, viz.:
Elizabeth, wife of Henry Talbot, cf St. Charles;
Selina, wife of Frank Sheets, of Lisbon, N. Dak.;
Jacob, who owns the old farm near St. Charles;

Acil, who is engaged in wagon-making; Oriiia
wife of U. S. Usher, of Chicago; Selim. who died
in .St. Charles at the age of twenty -seven; Priscilla,
who became the wife of Casky Coles, of Minneap-
olis, and died at the age of twenty-two; Cordilla,
wife of William Parr, the present City Marshal of
St. Charles; Arvilla, the wife of Harry Stone, a
sailor, of Minneapolis; Simeon, who makes his
home with his parents; and Rosilla, wife of A. J.
Aemon, of Grand Rapids, Minn.

Mr. Hendee was reared as a Reformer in Canada,
and on coming to the United States joined the ranks
of the Republi<;an party, witli which he has since
aftiliated. always supporting its men and measures.
He has never been a politician in the sense of act-
ively seeking oflice, but has served as Assessor and
was long the Census-taker. The best interests of the
community have ever found in him a friend, and
he is recognized as a valued citizen, in whom his
friends place the utmost confidence, for all who
know him recognize his many excellent traits of
character.

H. M. Litchtenstein, M. D.

HM. LITCHTFiNSTEIN, M. D.. who is
actively engaged in the practice of med-
icine in Winona, was born in Koenigs-
berg, East Prussia, on the 22d of October, 1866.
His grandfather, and the ancestors for several gen-
eiations remote, were iiu'iuhers of the medical pro-
fession, and a number of them became quite prom-
inent along that line. The Doctor's father, Isa-
dore Litchtenstein, was also a physician, and en-
gaged in acllTC practice up to the time of his death.

which, however, occurred at the early age of thir-
ty-five years. He was a medical practitioner of
note in Koenigsberg, and in his professional capac-
ity also served in the arm\ .

The oentleman whose name heads this sketch
wjis reared in his native land and .acquired his lit-
erary educjition in Stuttgart, Germany. He after-
wards studied in the Universities of Herlin, Stras-
biirg and Tubingen, and was graduated fnun the
JHst-namcd institution in February, 188y. Having

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

127

now fitted himself for the medical profession, he
engaged in practice for a year at \Viirtembcr2,and
then received an appointment as physician on the
German trans-Atlantic steamers going to tRe ports
of New York and Baltimore and to the West
Indies.

The year 1891 witnessed the arrival of Dr.
Litchtenstein in America for the purpose of mak-
ing a permanent settlement. He located in Wi-
nona, and has since engaged in active practice,
meeting with excellent success and gaining a rep-

utation for skill and ability which has brought him
a liberal patronage. While in college he was a
thorough student and his studies are yet continued,
to the benefit of those who eni))loy his services,
lie is a member of the Winona County Medical
Society, and is a highly educated man who in this
community has won man}- friends. The Doctor's
wife was formerly -Miss Carolina Claussen, a native
of Sclileswig-llolstein, Germany. The\- were mar-
ried in 1«90.

P. Fitzpatrick.

P FIT/PATRICK is a leading member of
the Winona County Bar, successfully en-
gaged in practice in the county seat. He
is a western man, his birth having occurred in
Galena, III., on the 17th of March, 1851. In the
family of seven children, six of whom are yet liv-
ing, he IS the eldest. The others are Anna, now Mrs.
M.Buck.iif Lanesborc, Minn.; Mary;. Sarah, wife of
John Buck, also of Lanesboro; Margaret and John.
The parents of this family were James and Mary
(McDonald) Fitzpatrick. The father was born in
Ireland in 181.3, and came to America during the
presidency of General Jackson, being then twenty
years of age. For a time he worked at his trade
of stonemason in New York, Kentucky and other
States, and finally made a permanent location in
Galena, III. This w.-us about IKJ,"). In flalcna he
married Mi.ss Mary McDonald and there continued
to make his home until IHGl.when he came to
Minnesota, locating in Fillmore Count}', where he
spent bis remaining days engaged in fanning. His

death occurred in 1881, at the age of sixty-eight
years. His wife passed away six years previous,
being called to her final rest in 1875.

P. Fitzpatrick spent the first ten years of his
life in his native city and then accom])anied his
parents on their removal to Fillmore County,
Minn., where he attended such schools as hail then
been established; but owing to the undeveloped
condition of the country- at that time, his early
educational privileges "ere somewhat limited.
Later, however, he attended the State Normal
School of Winona, and was graduated from that
institution in the Class of '71. Kxtensivc reading,
experience and observation have also added largely
to his knowledge and made him a well informed
man. On his return from Winona he taught school
for a lime and then entered the Slate rnivei>ily
of MinnesoUi at Minneapolis, pursuing the regular
three-years course, which he completed in 1878.
He then resumed teaching in Fillmore County, and
subsequently came to Winona. Wishing to change

128

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

bis profession, Mr. Fitzpatrick tben entered the law
office of Wilson & Gale, one of the leading law
firms of the city, and under ilieir instruction read
for two years. In April, 1881, he was admitted
to the Bar, and since that time has been continu-
ously engaged in active practice in Winona.

On the 4th of September, 1879, Mr. Fitzpatrick
was united in marriage with Miss Mary Leahy, of
Lanesboro, Minn., daughter of John and Julia (No-
lan) Leahy. Mrs. Fitzpatrick died May 21), 1883,
leaving two children. Mar}', born November 1,
1880, and James, May 25, 1883.

In his political views Mr. Fitzpatrick is a Dem-
ocrat, and in the fall of 1882 was elected on that
ticket to the office of County Attorney, which po-
sition he filled for ten consecutive years in a most
satisfactory manner, as is shown by his long con-
tinued service, which also indicates his personal
popularity. At the Bar he is recognized as a law-
yer of ability. In argument he is logical and con-
vincing, and his courteous manner and gentle-
manly bearing win him the confidence and trust
of all with whom he is brought in contact.

N. B. STKVENS.

PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

un

^ ♦••♦ '•-j^*- ♦•♦I

•» -i-i- •}"}•»•}• •i"t-<"}"{"}--i"i">-fr^i

Norman Bronson Stevens.

++++*+++++++++++*

+++++++++++++++++

N' ORMAN I5KONSUN STKVKNS, the eldest
son of Silas and Sclina (Bronson) .Stevens,
was born at llonesdale, Pa., May 15, 1828.
His early life was largely spent in the family home
in Lake County, 111., the family having located
there during his childhood. In the .spring of 18r»0.
possessed of an uncontrollable desire to travel
and see the world, he joined a company bound
overland for the gold fields of California. Pass-
ing through many vicissitudes and enduring in-
credible hardships in crossing the plains and
Rocky Mountains, the jiarly arrived at I'lacerville,
C'al., .luly 2'.», IH.Vi. and at once began mining for
gold.

Mr. .Stevens remained in California, meeting
with varying success, until the spring of 18.')."i.
when he returned to Ins home in the Kast. Au-
gust 16, IS.'i.j, he came to Winona County and set-
tled upon the claim located by his father in 18.'il
in what is now the city of Winona, lie later es-
tablished a nui-sery in Burns Valley, and for many
years was engaged in the fruit-tree industry. In
this line he was uniformly successful, especially .so
in the i)ropagalion of varieties of fruit suitable to
2

this climate, very many of the trees now in bearing
in the surrounding counlr^- having been intro-
duced by him.

In addition to the latter business, in 1862 Mr.
Stevens was appointed by the firm of I). M. Os-
borne A- Co. agent for the ■•Ivirby" reaper, and in
the develo|)ment of this busuiess during a series
of years he was remarkably successful, carry in <; off
the awards in many severely conteste(^ field trials.
Having demonstrated his rare ability as a busi-
ness man, Mr. Stevens wjis, in 1868, called on to
take the general agency for the entire Northwest
of tlie"Kirl)y" reaiuT, with heachpiarters at Chi-
cago, and in this wider field lie fully maintained
his reputation for ability and enterprise. When,
ill 187;}, the I). M. Osborne Company decided to
send a man to properly re|iresent their great inter-
ests at the Meniia (Austria) K.xposition of that
year, the choice naturally fell to .Mr. .Stevens, and
he spent the entire summer of that year abroad,
exploiting the ineritj< of the "Kirby." and thus be-
coming widely known among the machine men of
the world, and winning for his house the highest
prize medals over all competitors in many field

132

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

trials. After so ably discliarging the arduous du-
ties devolving upon him abroad, Mr. Stevens re-
turned iioint! to Cliicago, and feeling the need of
rest and recreation, he retired from traveling and
spent the following winter in New England.

Returning to Chicago Mr. Stevens remained
there until the spring of 1876, when he came with
his family to Winona. He purchased the residence
on the northeast corner of Broadway and La Fa}'-
ette Streets, where he made his home during the
remainder of his life.

On the 29lh of March, 1879, Alfred Terry, of De-
troit, Mich., a representative of the Royal Arcanum,
with INIr. Stevens, organized the Pioneer Council
of Winona, the first lodge organized in the state
of ^Minnesota. He also received a Deputy .Supreme
Regent's commission in the district in which the
Pioneer Council is located, and was prominent in
the work of the order until failing health forced
him to abandon it. He was a member of the Old
Settlers' Society and was one of the moving spirits
among the early settlers of Winona County.

In the fall of 1882 Mr. Stevens accepted the
position of traveling agent for the L. C. Porter
Milling Company, selling goods and establishing
•agencies in Canada and the Maritime Provinces,
and meeting with excellent success until the win-
ter of 1885, when failing health warned him
against further work, and he remained at home for
j'ears, a sufferer from nervous prostration. Dur-
ing the summer of 1888 he took a trip to Cali-
fornia for his health, revisiting many of the scenes
of his early trials and jirivations. Returning home
in the spring of 1889, he there remained until
death ended his sufferings. All that human mind
could suggest or hands do was done to alleviate
his sufferings during those years. After his life

work was accomplished he quietl}' passed away.
October (i, 1892.

Mr. Stevens w.as a man of characteristics posi-
tive in the extreme. Whatever he did was done
with all his might, and his success in life was due
partly lo his exceptional energy and a high order of
intelligence. His love of travel and adventure was
iftrong to a degree, and being a remarkably close
observer, with a wonderful recollection of places,
dates of events, etc., joined to an exceptional
command of language, his many writings are in-
teresting beyond the common. In his descrip-
tion of sights and scenes in both the Old and New
World he was particularly hapjiy, and these writ-
ings are treasured by his family. He was for man}'
3-ears a member of the Congregational Church, and
contributed liberally to its support.

Mr. Stevens was married, .September 26, 1860, in
Lake City, Minn., to Miss Orilla A. Howe, a native
of Millbury, Worcester County, Mass. She was a
member of the noted Howe family, of which the
well known .lulia Ward Howe is also a member.
At a reunion of the Howe family at South f'ram-
ingham, Mass., in 1871, where over five thousand
niemiiers were present, .lulia Ward Howe gave the
address of welcome. The original ancestors in
this country were three brothers, descendant* of
Lord Howe, of England, who crossed the Atlantic
in the "Mayflower," and the branch of the family
to which Jlrs. Stevens belongs settled at Sudbury,
Mass., and kept the Howe Tavern in that town,
made famous in Longfellow's song as the "Way-
side Inn."

Mr. .Stevens' daughter by a former marriage,
.Mary E.. is now the wife of Willard S. Karrington,
of Portland, Oregon, a son of Dr. Karrington, for-
nicrlv of Winona.

-^;;^^g^"^-.^.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

133

Almon Sartwell.

(Tpw LMON SAHTWKLI.. who carries on gon-
/ — Y •^'■^' fitiminj^ on section 28, Wurren Town-
ship, where he owns a good farm of one
hunflred and sixty acres, was horn on tiic 2!Hh of
Decemhcr, 181',*, in Langdon, N.II., and is a son of
Royal and Elvira (F;vans) Sartwell. Both parents
were of Knglish descent, and the father was a na-
tive of the Granite State, while the mother was
born in Massachusetts. They had a family of eight
children, namely: I'liila. wife of Amos Bean, a res-
ident of \'erniont; Alnion, of this sketch; Maria,
who died in 1846; Rosswell, who died in ISfiit;
llonry; Kliza. wife of Major Flint, who is a rcsi-
'ii'iit of Douglas County. .Minn.; Ellen, wife of I,.
I!. Tart, a resident of Douglas County-; and \V:ii--
ren. who was drowned. The father served in the
War of 1812. He w.as a wagon-maker by trade
and did business in the East until 1855, when
with his family he came to Minnesota, where his
remaining days were passed. His death occurred
August 18, 1862, at the age of sevent3--four years,
one month and sixteen days, and his wife died
.Iiinc H. 1872, when >eventy-live years of age.

Ill the usual manner of farmer lads Almon Sart-
well was reared. His educational privileges were
limited to those afforded by the common schools,
which he attended until sixteen years of age.
That he is now a well informed man is due to his
keen oliservation, his experience, his reading and
retentive memory. When he was only about two
yeai-s old the family had removed to Vermont, and
in 1837 went to Erie County, Pa., where Mr. Sart-
well continued to reside until 1830. With a view
to trying his fortune on the broad prairies of the
We.it. he then emigrated to Cook County. III.,
making the trip by the Great Lakes and by stage.

for the railroad center had not then become ac-
quainted with the sound of the engine, and palace
cars did not make it possible to reach the West
after a few hours" travel from New York.

Mr. .Sartwell first located in Chicago, then a
small town of little importance, and began work
on the canal which was being built from that city
to Peru. 111. A j-ear later he removed to Kane
County, where he began work as a carpenter, and
was also employed in different mills. His next pKace
of residence was in (!alena, .lo Daviess Count}',
where he engaged in farming and made his home
until tliespringof 18.')."), when lie emigrated further
westward, crossing the Mississippi into .Minnesota.
Winona County was his destination, and he settled
on the farm which has since been his home, |)rc-
einptinga claim of one hundred and sixty acres on
section 28. and eighty .acres on section 27, Warren
Township. The land was undeveloped prairie and
oak openings. In true pioneer style he began life
in the West, his first home being a log cabin 12x14
feet, in which w.as no fioor save that made by the
earth. There he lived for two years, after which
he built a board house. This was replaced in 1868
by his present coinmodious and comfortable resi-
dence. He began farming with ox-teams, and
back and forth traveled over the fields until the
furrows were turned and crops were planted.
Ijiter came the harvests, which brought reward for
his labors. Farming and stock-raising have been
his life work, and in his iiiidert«kings he li.a.s met
with success.

Mr. Sartwell has been twice married. In Octo-
ber. 18.'i2. he wedded Miss Susanna Beall. and they
became the parents of six children, namely: Fred-
crick W.. who died when eleven years of age; .las-

134

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

per N., who carries on agiiculluial [uirsuits in
Warren Township; Lena, who died at the age of
eiglil years; Ahiion IL, deceased; IMiila, also de-
ceased; and Susanna B.. now residing in Pennsyl-
vania, the wife of Eldson Hill. The cliildren who
died all passed away in ISOJ;?. within a few weeks
of one another. On the 7lh of November of the
same year. Mrs. Sartwcll was called to her final
rest. Mr. .Sartwell was again married, in 1805, his
second union being with Emily jMilligan. by whom
lie has two cliildren: Addie L., now the wife of
Bert 'J'liompsoii. a resident of Fillraoie County,
Minn.; and Edgar M., who married Miss May Gage,
and lives on the old home farm.

-Mr. Sartwell exeici.ses his right of franchise in

'the support of the Republican party, with which
he has been identified since its organization. His
first Presidential vote was cast for William Henry
Harrison, lie was among the first Township .Su-
pervisors, serving in that oHice for two terms, was
Township Treasurer for about twelve years, and
was Assessor for the long period of fifteen years.
His public duties were discharged with |)romptness
and fidelity, for he is alwa^'s true to a trust re-
posed in him. whether public or jirivate. Mr.
Sartwell started out in life a poor boy, without
wealth or inlliienlial friends to aid him in the
struggle, and by his own e ffoits he has risen to a
position of atlhience. He may truly be called a
self-made man.

Hiram C. Wilber.

HIRAM C. WILBER, who wore the blue
during the late war, now follows farming
and stock-raising on section 33, Warren
Township. He was born in Madison Count}', N. Y..
on the nth of May, 1833. His father, Hiram C.
Wilber, Sr., was a native of Rhode Island, and was
of English descent. His mother bore the maiden
name of Rox}- Ma}', and her only child was the
subject of this sketch. She died in early life, after
which the father married Hannah Xickcrson, by
whom he had ten children. The members of the
family are: Charles, who was born February 8,
18.52; Caroline, who is the widow of Herman
SUage, and resides with Hiram C; Roxy .)., who
died in 1877; Charles II., who is living with his
eldest brother; Lucy, who died Xovembcr 1, 1870;
Linus \'., who is County Superintendent of the
public schools in Winona County, Minn.; Mary,
who makes her home with her brother Hiram;
Willie A., whose death occurred on the 8lli of
Aoril, 1861; Rufus W., who is an ininatc of the

Wilber household; and Myia .1.. wife of (leorge
Crane, a resident of Fremont. Minn.

Ti;e father of this f:uiiily was born in 1802, and
his second marriage was celebrated ()ctober 6,
181 1. The lady was a native of the Empire State,
and was born December 12, 1824. Mr. Wilber was
a shoe-maker by trade, and followed that business
during his early days, but in later life carried on
farming. In I8.j.') he removed to Wisconsin, set-
tling in Dodge Ccmnty, where he made his home
until 1H(;3, when he came to Winona County,
Minn. Here he made his home until his death,
which occurred on the 1st of April. 1887. in the
eighly-lifth year of his age. While in New York
he served as Supervisor and Assessor, and after
coming to Minnesota he was again called to pul)-
lic otlice, being appointed Postm.aster in Wyatt-
ville in 1865, which position he held until his
death. He was a competent and faithful ollicer,
and w.ns ever true to a trust, whether public or
private. He held inembei-sliip witli the Masonic

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

i:io

fraternity, and with the Methodist Church. When
called to the liotne beyond lie was laid to rest in
Warren Ceiiiplery, and many friends mourned his
loss.

The life of a farmer's boy was that of the youlli
of Hiram C. Wilber. the subject of this sketch. He
carl3' began work in the fields, where lie labored
through the summer months, while in the winler
season his education was acquired. He attended
the district schools for some lime, and later en-
tered an academy, where he acquired a good prac-
tical knowledge, which has been of much benefit
to him in his business career. Willi bis parents he
removed to Wisconsin, and thence to Minnesota
in 18G3. He had previously taught school in Wis-
consin during the winter of 1855-56, but has prac-
tically made farming his life work, although he
again engaged in school leaching in Hart Town-
ship, Winona County, in 1867-68, in Warren Town-
ship in 1868-69, and in Fremont Township in
1869-70.

During the late war Mr. Wilber responded to
the countr3''8 call for troops, enlisting on the 5lh
of September. 1864, as a member of Company K,
P^levenlh Minnesota Infanti\. He was mustered
into service at Ft. .Snellin"-, and was thence sent to

Nashville, Tenn., where he was engaged in guard-
ing railroads until the close of the war, when, on
the 16tli of .Tuly, 1865, he was honorably dis-
charged. He then at once returned to liis home
in Winona County, where he has made his borne
continuously since. For the first two years after
his arrival in Minnesota he lived upon a rented
farm, and llicn removed to the farm on which he
now resides, an eighty-acre tract on section 33,
Warren Township. His time and energies are de-
voted to general farming and stock-raising, and
in the management of his business affairs he mani-
fests good executive ability. He is enterprising
and industrious, and is both public spirited and
progressive.

Mr. Wilber 's duties of citizenship are ever faith-
fully and promptly performed. He votes with the
Republican party, and has held the ollice of Town-
ship Clerk for about fourteen years altogether.
Fie is now serving as Chairman of the Town Board
of Supervisors, for five years has been .lustice of
the Peace, and was Notary Public for about fifteen
years. He has held various school offices, having
served both as School Clerk and SchoolTreasurer.
Socially he is connected with the Masonic order,
and also with the Grand Army of the Republic.

Michael Nagle.

NT RIIAKL NAtiLK, one of the honored
■ I veterans of the late war, now owns and
operates a good farm of one hundred and
forly-lhrce acres on section 10, Wiscoy Township.
He is a native of the Kmerald Isle, his birth having
occurred in County Cork, Ireland, on the 25tb of
Seplcnilier, 1837. His parenLs, William and .Mary
(Fitzgerald) Nagle, had a family of nine children.

three of whom are now deceased. Those still liv-
ing are: Mary, Daniel, Michael, William, Luke and
.lohn, the last-named being the only one born in
America.

Michael Nagle spent the first fifteen years of his
life on his father's farm in Ireland, and then ac-
companied his parentis on their emigraliim to Amer-
ica. They took passage in a sailing-vessel in 1852,

136

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and after a voyage of four weeks and three days'
duration landed at New York City. They made
a location on tlie banks of tlie beautiful Hudson in
tiie Empire State, and there the subject of this
sketch grew to manhood. He continued a resident
of New York until ISfiO, when he resolved to try
his fortune in the West, lioi^ing thereby to benefit
his financial condition. He first located in Mich-
igan, but continued there only a short time, for
in the autumn of the same year he came with the
family to Winona County. The father purchased
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Wiscoj'
Township, and he aided in its cultivation and de-
velopment until 1864.

On the 27th of August of that year Mr. Nagle
responded to the call for troops to aid in crushing
out the rebellion, and, donning the blue, was as-
signed to Company K, Eleventh Minnesota Infan-
try. He was mustered into service at Ft. Snelling,
and during most of the time until the clo"se of the

war was engaged in guarding railroads. He re-
ceived an lionorable discharge on the 11th of July,
186.5, when the war had ended.

Mr. Nagle then returned to Winona County,
where he has since made his home. His farm of
one hundred and forty-three acres is under a high
state of cultivation, and well improved with good
buildings and all modern accessories. He carries
on general farming, and his good management in
business affairs, combined with perseverance and
diligence, hiis placed him in comfortable circum-
stances.

Mr. Nagle was married, November 22, 186.3, to
Miss Bridget Hennigan. To them have been born
nine children, and the family circle yet rem.ains
unbroken. In order of birth they are as follows:
Margaret, Mary A., Kate, Bridget, Agnes, Johanna,
Sarah, Blanche and Cecil. Mr. Nagle and his fam-
ily are members of the Catholic Church, and in
politics he is affiliated with the Democracy.

D. E. Vance.

D

E. VANCE. There are few professions
that exercise a greater influence on inau-
kiiid than that of the law, and its repre-
sentatives are usually leading men of the commu-
nity. Their life calls into action their abilit\' for
leadership and their power for inlluencing the
minds of others, and in consequence they become
prominent. Mr. Vance belongs to this class of
men, and is a well known and highly respected at-
torney of Winona.

Born in Caledonia County, ^'t.. near St. Johns-

buiy, on the 6th of January, 18-1 1. the subject of
this sketch is one of a family of eight children, all
of whom are j'et living. The parents were Aaron
and Lucinda (Tucker) ^'ance. The eldest child,
George L., is now Supervisor of Education in
Joliet, III. I). E. IS the second in order of birth.
William A. is now serving as Postmaster of Hous-
ton, Minn. Albert N. is a wholesale and retail
grocer of Decorah, Iowa. Nancy Jane is the wife
of D. C. Dyer, also of Houston. Nicholas W. is a
banker of Wolsey. S. Dak. Abbie M. is the wife of

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

137

Calvin Vance, of Money Creek, Minn.; and Aaron
K. is enj^agcfl in merciiandisinj; in .Joliet, 111. 'I'lie
father of this family, Aaron Vance, Sr., was born
October 10, 1812, in Vermont, where he lived until
March, 1866, when he emigrated westward, lH)i)ing
thereby to benefit his financial condition. He took
np his residence in Money Creek Township, Hous-
ton County, Minn. He w.as a shoemaker hy trade,
and followed that business in New England, but
after coming West he embarked in farming, which
he carried on throughout the remainder of his act-
ive busines-s life. Eour ^ears ago lie came to Winona
to spend his Inst years, and now makes his home in
this city, lie has reached the nge of eighty-two,
but is still hale and hearty and bids fair to live for
many years to come. For a long time he served
as .Supervisor of his township, and was a public-
spirited and progressive citizen, always interested
iu everything [lertaining to the community in
which he made his home and its development.

David Vance, the grandfather of the subject of
this sketch, was born in the Green Mountain State,
and there spent his entire life, lie was the wealth-
iest man of his town, and was a typical New Eng-
lander of the old school. For several years he was
a member of the State Legislature, and it was his
custom to put a change of linen in a bandanna
handkerchief and walk thirty miles to attend the
sessions of the fieneral Assembly. For a long time
he served as Captain of a militia company, and
was recognized as one of the leading spirits of his
time.

I). E. Vance lived in the style of most New
P^ngland boys belonging to the middle classes.
Amidst play and work his childhood w.as p.assed,
and under the parental roof he remained until he
had attained his majority. At that time he left
home for the seat of war, for he believed that his
country needed the services of all its loyal citi-
zens. On the i;Uh of .June, 1862, he joined Com-
pany G, of tlie Ninth Vermont Infantry, and went
to the front. lie participated in the battles of
Winchester and Harper's Ferry, and at the latter
place was taken prisoner, but was afterward pa-
roled. Later he spent fifteen months in Chicago,
acting as. A.ssistaut Commissary for the ))ri8onci-s,
and then rejoined his regiment at Newport IJar-

racks, N. C. Later he was stationed at Newbern,
N. C, guarding property, and afterward was in
front of Richmond, taking part in the siege of
that city from September, 1861, until April, 1865,
when Lee surrendered. His was the first regiment
of United States infantry that marched into the
eit3' after its surrender, and there he remained for
two and a-half months.

On the 16th of .June, 1865, Mr. Vance was hon-
orably discharged from the service and immedi-
ately returned to his home. In Deceinlier, however,
he came West, locating in Chicago, where he re-
mained until August. 1866. During that lime he
attended Eastman's Commercial College of that
city, and then engaged in clerking until the date
above mentioned, when he came to Minnesota, lo-
cating at Money Creek. Here he taught school
until 1877, when he settled in Winona and took up
the study of law in the office of Judge Uarber. In
April, 1878, he was admitted to the liar, and has
since been engaged in active practice. In his pro-
fe.ssion he has met with marked success, and is now
enjoying an extensive patronage.

On the 20tli of November, 1879, Mr. Vance
wedded Miss Alice May bury, daughter of C. G.
and Rebecca (Cole) Maybury, who had a family of
six chikiren. Mr. and Mrs. A'ance have a family of
four children, Jessie M., Mary A., Albert Elmer
and .Stanley M., all at home.

The Republican party finds in Mr. Vance a stal-
wart supporter, and an able advocate of its prin-
ciples. He has served as a member of the City
Council of Winona for several years and labored
earnestly for the best interests of the town. So-
cially he is connected with the Ancient Order of
I'liited Workmen, and in 1885 served as Grand
Master of the lodge for the then jurisdiction of
Minnesota, Dakota and .Manitoba. He belongs to
the Ei|uitablc Aid Union; to Orient Lodge No. 20,
A. F. & A. M., of Money Creek; and to John Hall
Post. (i. A. R. He has three times served as its
Commander, and is now serving as Adjutant of
the post. His career in busines."* circles has ever
been hondiable and straightforward. In days of
war it was that of a faithful soldier, and in times
of peace it is that of a loyal citizen, true to all
duties.

138

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

J. M. Sheardown.

JM. SHEARDOWN, tlie efficient and popular
Clerk of the District Court, was born in
Clianning County, N. Y., on the lOlh of
January, 1831, anrl is of English descent.
His parents, Thomas S. and Esther (Grassen)
Sheardown, were both natives of England. The fa-
ther, who was a Baptist minister, came to Amer-
ica in 1820, and located first in Tompkins Count)-,
X. Y. The remainder of his days were spent in
the Empire State and in northern Pennsylvania.
His death occurred in Tro}', Bradford County, Pa.,
at the age of eighty-four years. Two days previ-
ous to his death he had supplied a pulpit. His wife
long preceded him to the final home, having passed
away in 1854. This worthy couple were the par-
ents of twelve children, but onl^' two are now liv-
ing: Henry C.,of Tioga Count}', Pa., and John M.
The family name is almost extinct, there being
only four male rei)resenlatives in America, the two
brothers and their nephews: Ward B., who is gen-
eral agent for the Drainard Mill Company, ()f Du-
lutli; and Thomas W., who is now a physician of
Chicago.

J. M. Sheardown icsided in various places in
New York until IS.")!, and acquired his education
in Clianning and Steuben Counties. In 1847 he
left home and entered upon his business career as
clerk in a mercantile establishment at what was
then Jefferson, but is now Watkins, N. Y. lie re-

mained there until 1851. In 1852 he began read-
ing law with Mark Crawford, of Havana, N. Y.,
and was admitted to the Bar in Minnesota in 1860.
In September, 1857, he came to Winona, where he
has since made his home, with the exception of the
four years be spent in the army.

Upon the breaking out of the war Mr. Shear-
down, prompted by patriotic impulses, responded to
the country's call for troops, and enlisted in Com-
pany B, Fifth New York Cavalry. He was wounded
at the battle of Culpeper Court House, W. Va., was
there captured and sent to Libby Prison, where
he was incarcerated for six weeks, after which he
was paroled. He took part in the battles of Bris-
tol Station. Warrentown, Gettysburg, Chantilly,
Winchesler, Rude's Hill, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek
and the campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. At
length, when his term had expired, he w.as mus-
tered out and returned to his home in Winona.

Soon after, on the 31sl of October, 1865, Mr.
Sheardown was united in marriage with Miss Anna
Kemp, daughter of John A. and Pluvbe (Cook)
Kemp. Three children have been born of this
union: Minnie M.; Myrtle A., now the wife of
P. W. Henry, who is connected with the Winona
Willow-ware Company: and Mabel L. Mrs. Shear-
down and her daughters are members of the Con-
gregational Church. The eldest daugliter was
graduated from the Normal School, afterwards

PORTRAIT AND UIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

139

engaged in teacliing in the publio schools of this
city for three years, and is now attending the
Pratt Art Institute of Brooklyn, N. Y.

After his return from tiie war Mr. .Sjieardcjwn
took up the practice of law, which he continued
until 1872. when he was elected City .Justice of
the Peace, which ollice he lield until the fall of
1877. In that year he was elected Clerk of the
District Court, whicii position he still fills, cover-
ing a period of seventeen consecutive years. His
long continuance in oflice is tlie result of faithful
service. He has manifested the same fidelity to

dutyaswlien on Southern battle-fields he followed
the Old Flag to victory. He was a valiant soldier
and is an I)onored citizen. He is a member of .S. H.
Shoardown Post No. 189, G. A. R.; the Ancient
Order of United Workmen, the Royal Arcanum,
and tlie Northwestern Legion of Honor. He now
owns a beautiful farm of one liundrcd and forty-
eiglil acres, seven miles from Winona, besides his
iiome property and other lots in the city. He has
been :i resident of Winona for thirty-seven years,
and is recognized as one of its most prominent and
representative citizens.

John L. Farrar.

JOHN L. FARRAR is :i farmer and stock-
raiser of Warren Township, residing on sec-
lion 20, and is an enterprising and progress-
ive citizen, hotli widely and favorably known
tliroughout the community. A native of New
Ilampsliire, lie was born near Laconia, the county
seat of Relknap County, on the 19th of May,
18;M. Tiie family is of Knglish origin. The pa-
ternal grandfather, .luduthan Farrar, was a farmer,
and W!is also one of the licroes of the Revolution-
ary War, aiding the Colonies in their struggle to
throw oflf the yoke of Hritish tyranny. His son,
.luduthan Farrar, .Jr., was born in the old (Jranilc
Slate, and carried on agricultural pursuit." through-
out liis entire life. He married Miss Sallie C'ate,
who was also born in New Hampshire, and they
became the parent.-* i>{ nine children: Wdlinm H.,
who died in 1882; ,1. Warren, who is also dece:ised;
Eliza A., deceased, wife of .losepli .Sanborn; Sarah
.1., who became the wife of Dr. K. A. Hill, and lia-t
now pas.<ied away; Oeoriie T., deceased; Rufus L.,

who is living on the old homestead in New Hamp-
shire on which his grandfather settled; John L.
of this sketch; Maria M., wife of Andrew Doran.a
resident of Laconia, N. II.; and Martha .1., wife of
David Turner, who is located in Massachusetts.

.John L. Farrar was reared in the state of his na-
tivity, and began his education in the district
schools of the neighborhood in which he lived,
comiileting it in the high school of Woonsocket,
R. I. He thus obtained a good knowledge of
those branches of learning which arc of use to a
practical business man, and by reading he always
keeps himself well informed on matters of general
interest. He remained under the jiarental roof
until he had attained his majority, when he started
out in life for himself. He began by working in
an insane asylum at Concord, N. H., and there
served as an attendant of wards for about three
years, after which he pursued his studios in the
high school, as before mentioned, for two years.
On the expiration of that period he entered a

140

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

wholesale grocery store in Providence, R. I., in the
capacity of salesman, but did not long continue in
that position, for, attracted bj' tlic advantages of
the West, he resolved to test its opportunities, and
came to Minnesota in the autumn of 1855.

Mr. Farrar made the trip westward by rail and
water, and at length took up his residence in War-
ren Township, Winona County-, where he pre-
empted one hundred and sixty acres of land on
section 30. He lived upon that farm long enougli
to hold the claim, and during the remainder of the
year worked as a farm hand in Dane County, Wis.,
near Blue Mound, lie then purchased land in that
locality, and continued its cultivation for two
years, after which he returned to Minnesota and
worked as a farm hand for one year. At length
he bought cigiity acres of land on section 21, an
unimproved tract, to the cultivation and develop-
ment of vvhi(;h he at once turned his time and at-
tention. Subsequently he removed to his present
farm, which comprises two hundred and forty acres
of rich land on sections 20 and 2'.t, Warren Town-
ship. He also owns twenty acres of timber-land.
He carries on general farming and stock-raising,
and has a highly improved tract of land, wliicli
yields to him a good income.

On the 27th of April, 1858, Mr. Farrar was

united- in marriage with Miss Calesta J. Cheney'
daugiiter of Stephen A. and Jerusha A. Clieney,
and a native of New Hampshire. By tiieir union
were born seven children, namely: Orrin L., an
agriculturist of Warren Townsliip; Harry C, a
graduate of the .State Normal and the present effi-
cient County Superintendent of Schools; .Mildora
F. and Edna, at home; Martha L., who became the
wife of Robert E. Brown, and died in 181tl; May
B. and Alice, who complete the family.

In his political views Mr. Farrar is a Populist.
He has been called upon to till a numlier of public
positions, having served his townsliip as Super-
visor (being Chaninaii of tlie Hoard for more than
six years), .as Township Treasurer for eight years,
and also as Township Assessor. In the year 1881
lie was elected to tlie Legislature an the Demo-
cratic ticket. He is at present Justice of the
Pe.acc, a position which he has fdlcd for more than
twenty years with credit to himself and to tiie en-
tire satisfaction of those concerned. Socially he
is connected with the Masf)nic fraternity. He is
ever interested in what pertains to the welfare of
the community and its upbuilding, and is recog-
nized as one of the valued citizens of Winona
County.

PORTRAIT AM) IJlOGUAPlllCAL RECOIiD.

141

Verrazano Simpson.

\SjKKRA/.AN()SIMl'SON isawortliy rcpre-
^ sentative of the l>ii^iiiL'>s interests of Wi-
iK>na. lie is ik>w engaged in tlie real-estate
and liian busines;*, and in his undertakings is meet-
ing will) good success. The record of his life is
as follows: A native of New Hampshire, he was
born in Windham, on the 31st of December, 1832,
and is a son of Benjamin F. and Klizabeth (McDer-
maid) Simpson, who were als(j natives of Wind-
ham. The paternal grandfather, (leorge Simpson,
was born in Windham, and was of Scotch-Irish
descent, his ancestors having emigrated to this
country in 1653. The two hundred and liflietli
anniversary of that event was celebrated by their
descendants in 1H!I3. The grandfather was a farm-
er by occupation, and spent most of his life in his
native town, but died at West Kumney. at the
very advanced age of ninety-six years, lie was
married a second time, at the age of eighty-two,
and had two children by that union, who are still
living. Nine children were born of the first mar-
riage. Mr. Simpson was a genial, pleasant man
fond of joking, and a great lover of music. The
maternal gran<lfatlier, Archil)ald McDormaid, was
a native of .Scotland, and coming to America be-
fore the beginning of the nineteenth century, lo-
cated on a claim lifteen miles soiilh of the White
Mountains, where he spent his remaining days.
He also devoted his time and attention to agricult-
ural pursuit.^, and was called to the home beyond
at the age of eighty-seven. His wife n-nched the

advanced age of ninety -seven. They belonged
to the Scotch-Presbyterian Ciiureli.

Dr. Benjamin F. Simpson, father of N'errazano,
was a physician and surgeon, who practiced in
Windham for a number of years, and then remov-
ed to Lowell, .Mass., where he died in 1883, at the
age of eighth-four. His wife still survives him,
and is living in Lowell at the age of ninety-three.
Like her husliand. she holds meinbershii) with the
Unitarian Church, liitiieir family there are four
children, three sons and a daughter, namely: Olcna,
Odanathus. Verrazano and Longinu.s.

Mr. Simpson, whose name heads this cha|>ter,
was reared in Lowell, Mass., and acquired his ed-
ucation in its publii" schools. During his youth
he entered his father's drug store, and for some
years did business as a ])liarmacist. Later he went
from Boston to the Fast Indies as a sailor, and con-
tinued before the mast for three years. In 1853
he emigrated westward, having resolved to try
his fortune in the Mississi|)pi \'alley, and located
lirst in Dubuque, Iowa, where he made his home
until 1855, when he came to Winona, Minn., and
]iurchased a couple of lots, for which he paid
^1,800. This was before the Indian title had ex-
pired. Upon his land he erected a store building,
and was engaged in merchnndising until 18.')7,
when ho went into the forwarding commission
business, and was a steamboat and railroad agent
until I8(;2, representing a number of ea.Htern lines
of railroads before roads were built into Winona.

142

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

When a road was built to this place and more ful-
ly opened up the country to civilization, he em-
barked in tlie real-estate l)usine-^s. which he lias
since successfully followed.

On the 20th of November, 1854, Mr. Simpson
married Miss Ann, daujjhter of David and Mary
(Ferren) IManahan, of Lowell, Mass. Their mar-
riage was blessed with two children, Elizabeth and
Edith. The former is now the wife of E. G. Ncvins,
of Winonn, and they have four children, Gu3',
Edith, Simpson and Blake. Edith is the wife of
Ralph Melcalf, and with their daughter, Elizabeth,
they make their home in Tacoma, Wash. Mr. Simp-
son's second wife bore the maiden name of Mary
L. D>'er. For his third wife he chose Miss Joseph-
ine llarb, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Arn-
old) Harb. They now have one child, Josephine.

In his political views Mr. Simpson is a Democrat,
and was honored with an election to the office .of
.Mayor of Winona on two different occasions,
which position he lilled with credit to himself
and satisfaction to his constituents. He has al-
ways taken an active interest in the city's welfare,
and has ever borne his part in the work of progress
and advancement. He has probably erected more
buildings in Winona than any other of its resi-
dents, and with the development of the com mu-
nity his name is inseparably connected. He also
owns quite an extensive amount of farm land and
has a beautiful home. He possesses excellent bus-
iness and executive ability, is .sagacious and far-
sighted, and in his undertakings has met a well
merited prosperity.

Lafayette Hill.

r AFAYETTK HILL, one of Winona Coun-
I O ty's self-made men, who now follows farm-
ing and stock-raising on sections 27 and 28,
Warren Township, is a native of A'ermont. He
was horn March 27, 1828, and is a son of Randall
and Jemima (Blanchard) Hill, who were also born
in Vermont. Their family' numbered eight chil-
dren, namely: Betsy, Lydia, Rhoda, liandolph T.,
Frank, Lafayette, Joseph and .Sarah.

When Lafayette Hill was a child of two years
the family left his native state and removed to
Grafton County, N. II., where he grew to manhood
on a farm, and in the usual manner of farmer lads
the days of his boyhood and youth were passed.
He worked in the fields through tlie summer

months, and in tlu? winter season attended the dis-
trict schools until sixteen years of age. During
the four succeeding years he gave his father the
benefit of his services, and when twenty years of
age he started out in life for himself, working as a
farm hand for ^16 per month. For some time he
was employed in this capacity and in operating
rented land.

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey,
Mr. Hill chose Miss Ann M. C'henney, their wed-
ding being celebrated in 1853. They continued
to reside in New Hampshire until 1857, when they
bade adieu to home and friends in New England
and started for Minnesota. Since that time they
have resided in Winona County. For three years

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

143

they lived in Utica Township, and then came to
Warren Towns.hip, where Mi'. Hill purchased a
farm of one hundred and twenty acres of wild
land. lie lirst erected a small lx>ard house, and
with characteristic enerfry ln'gan the cultivati()n
of his property, which he transformed into one of
the valuable places of the neighborhood. lie is a
wide-awake and enterprising man, ami has made
all of the improvements upon his farm, which is
now under a high state of cultivation, and sup-
plied with all modern accessories in tlic way of
house.", barns and outbuildings.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born si.K children, of
wlio/n two are now deceased, .Annie and Kdwin.
Those still living are: Charley, a resident farmer
of Warren Township; Delia, wifeof Nathan Wood.
who is living in Canton, Minn.; Klmor, a farmer

in tliis county; and Frank, who carries on agri-
cultural pursuits in this community. The mother
of this family died in 1867, and in 1872 Mr. Hill
was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Wood.
Mr. Hill entertains strong temperance principles,
and his views are made manifest in his political
attilialions, for he votes with the Prohibition
party. He has never been a politician in the sense
of oftice-sceking, yet has served as .Supervisor,
School Director, .School Trustee and Pathm-islcr.
He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, and to the
Methodist Churcli, in which he h.as served as Class
Leader. More than a third of a century h.as passed
since he came to Minnesota, and in these years he
has ever lived so as to win friends, who hold him
in the highest regard, and his enviable position is
well merited.

Robert Palm by.

1^ OHKKT I'AL.Ml'.V, who carries on farming
~\ on section M, Wiscoy Township, claims
Kngland as his native land. His liirth oc-
curred in Cambridgeshire, on the 1 7th of November-
18.'{2. his parent.^ being Robert and .Mary (Wise-
man ^ I'alml)y. The father was twice married, and
by his first union had two children, but Hubert
was the only child of the second marriage. He
was born m the village of Wicken. and acquired
his educaticm in the public schools, but his privi-
leges were very limited. Il<' had no special ad-
vantages in his youth, and since the age of seven-
teen years he has t)een entirely dependent on his
own resources, so that for his success in life he de-
serves great credit.

At that time he bade adieu to friends and na-
tive land and started for .America, taking passage
on a sailing-vessel, which after a voyage of live
weeks and one day reached the harbor of Now
York. .Mr. Palinby landed in the city, but at once
took up hi^ residence in Orleans County, near
(iaines, where he began working as a farm hand
by the month, and also on a canal. He w;i.s thus
employed for four years, after which he started
westward, making a location in Richmond. III.
There he carried on a farm on shares for one year,
and later spent one season in I^ Crosse, 111. The
year 1856 witnessed his arrival in Minnesot.-f. aiicl
saw him located near Houston, in Houston Count v.
During the two succeeding years of his life he con-

114

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tinned work as a farm hand, and then came to
Winona County, where, witli the capital lie had
acquired tiirou^li his industry and perseverance in
former years, he purciiased eijjiitv acres of lan<1 on
section 9, Wiscoy Townshi[).

Mr. Palmhy now began life in earnest. His
farm was bottom land, and he at once began to
clear and improve it. Two years later he traded
it for another eighty-acre tract of land in Wiscoj'
Township, whereon he made his home for three
years, when he sold out and purchased tlie farm on
which he now resides. It comprises three hundred
and twenty acres of rich land, all in one body,
and his time and attention are now devoted to
general farming and stock-raising. This has been
his place of residence since ISIarch, 1882, and its
neat and thrifty ajipearance indicates his careful
supervision.

During the late war Mr. Palmby manifested liis
l03"alty to his adopted country l)y enlisting in Au-
gust, 1864, as a private of Company K, Eleventh
Minnesota Infantry. He was mustered into serv-
ice at Camp Miller, aliove Ft. Snelling, and then
went to Nasiiville, Tenn.. wiicnce he was sent to

Gallatin, where he engaged in guarding railroads
until the close of the war. He was honorablj- dis-
ciiarged in June, 186.5, and since that time has
lived in Winona County-.

Mr. Palmby was married in March, 1857, tlije
lady of ills choice being Miss Catherine E. Skinkle,
of Houston County. They have four children:
Mary, who has successfullj- engaged in teaching
school for about seven years; Robert Henry, who
aids in the operation of the home farm; William,
who is now deceased; and Jesse, who completes the
family.

Mr. Palmby, his wife and children have many
friends in this community, and are held in higli
regard. The husband and fatiier is'*coniiected
witli the Grand Aiiiiy of the Republic, and in
jiolitics is a Kopublicin, but has never sought or
desired offlce, preferring to give his entire time and
attention to his business interests. He is a self-
educated and self-made man, who 1)3- cnter|'rise,
industry and perseverance has steadily worked his
way upward, and b^- good management has se-
cured a comfortable competence.

Daniel Baker.

D.\NIKL li.VKi^K, who resides on section
26, Hillsdale Township, where he has a
linely improved farm, was born in Alle-
gan}' County, N. Y..near Rushford, on the 20lli of
June, 1839. His father, .lolin Haker, was a native
of Vermont, and his mother, who bore the maiden
name of Sarah Loomis, was born in Connecticut.
Both grandfathers were soldiers in the Revulu-

tionary War. Daniel was the youngtst in the
family of ten children. His parents were early
settlers of Allegany County, N. Y.. where their re-
spective families had settled soon after the War
for Independence. John Baker served in the War
of 1812. He was a stonemason by trade, but dur-
ing the greater part of his life carried on agricult-
ural pursuits in connection with work alontr that

PORTRAIT AM) I?I()( JKAI'lIICAL RKCORD.

145

line, and died on liio old home farm at the age of
ninetv-onp. In his political views he was a Dem-
ocrat, unflinching in the support of the party of
ii is choice. His wife reached the age of seventy-
eight. Of tiieir ten cliildren seven are yet living,
one hrother, IJcnjaniin !•".. being now a resident <<f
U'inona County.

Daniel Baker spent the lirst eighteen years of
his life in the state of his nativity, and then emi-
grated westward to Wisconsin, joining his two
lirolhers, who were located in Green Lake County.
J'here he remained until the breaking out of the
l:ite war. when, prompted by patriotic impulses, he
responded to the country's call for troops, enlist-
ing in Company D, of the Kighth Wisconsin In-
fantry. This was the famous "Kagle" Regiment.
It was organized ."-ieptcniber 2, 1861, at Fox Lake,
by K. C. Murphy, and was mustered in at Camp
Randall. .Madi.son, Wis., on the 12th of October.
Col. R. C. .Murphy was placed in command, and
with his regiment of nine hundred and ninety
men departed for the seat of war, going direct to
St. Louis, Mo., where they were quartered at Hen-
ton Harracks. The regiment won its name from
the f.act that an eagle, '-Old Abe,"" accompanied
them through the war, usually perched on the (lag-
staff. The tir>t active engagement in which the
Eagle Regiment participated was near Greenville,
Mo., wliere they met the enemy under (;en..Iefr
Thompson, the famous '".Swamp Angel'" of the
Confederacy. They remained in southeastern Mis-
souri during the following winter, mainly eng.agcd
in guarding l)ridges and prisoners. In March.
I«C2. they left Cairo for field service, and with
General I'ope in command a.vsisted in ciiplurini,'
six thou.sand leliels, April K, 18(12, at Islaixl .No.
10. (ieneral I'ope ordered the words"New Madrid
and I>land No. 10" insciibed on the banner of the
Kaglc Regiment for gallantry during the campaign.
The members of this regiment also actively partic-
ipated in the campaign of Corinth and did valu.a-
blc service in capturing vast stores of provisions
and many prisoners. They won a leput.ilion for
valor on many a battlefield, including Frederick-
t«>n, Farmington, Corinth. luka, the second battle
of Corinth, Jackson, and the as.sault and siege of
Vicksburg. They traveled over forty -seven hun-

dred miles, and had twenty-nine men killed and

one hundred and forty-four wounded, while twen-
ty-one were reported mi.ssing.

On the (;tli of .lune. 18Gl,at Lake Chict, .Mr.
Baker w.as wounded by a gunshot in the left arm.
While engaged in skirmishing a minie-ball p.assod
ihrough the forearm into the upper arm. then
plunged down to the elbow, where it lodged, and
was cut rnit nine days later, the doctor having
failed to locate it before that time. Aftei con-
valescing Mr. Baker wa« sent, on recruiting .service
t.. .Madison. and then rejoined his regiment in time
to iiarticipate in the battle of Nashville. He had
a most excellent view of that famous battle, being
stationed on a bluff which overlooked the entire
Held. As his arm was disabled and he could
not take part ii field engagements he served on
detached duty. lie was in Alabama at the time of
Lee's surrender, but the regiment w.as not at once
discharged, being there retained for service for
some time after. At length, with his comrades, he
received an honorable discharge, after four years
an. I three days, and on the ."itli of September. after
reaching home, w.as mustered out.

In the autumn of l.si;.", Mr. Baker purchased
land near KIgin. :\Iinn.. and the following year
was passed in this state, but in 18(i7 he returned
to Wisconsin, where, on the 8th of July, lie was
uiilte<l ill marriage with Miss Mary Smith, whose
brother had served as his companion in arms dur-
ing the long struggle to preserve the Fnion. By
this marri.age have been born three children, Stella
M.. Ida Belle and .\rthur L.

.Mr. li.aker at once brought liis young wife to
Winona, where he began work at the carpenter's
trade. He soon secured a small tract of land, but
continued t<. engage in contracting and building
for a number of years. About seven years ago he
came to his present place of residence, ple.vanlly
located seven and a-lialf miles west of Winon.a. It
comprises two hundred and forty acres of valuable
lan<I. lying on the Winona .1- ,St. IVicr Railway,
near St<K-ktoii. There he carried on general farm-
ing and stock-raising. He first purcha.se<l one
hundred acres, and four years later boiig|,i.,„„iher
tract of one hundred and forty acres. He has
al>out one hundred and sixty acres of valley land

U6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

surrounded by beautiful and picturesque hills, and
his farm is noted for its fine improvements. Tlierc
are a [jleasant residence, barns and outbuildings,
which are models of convenience, and all otiicr
modei'n accessories.

Mr. Baker also takes a commendable interest in
public affairs and does all in his jjower to promote
the general welfare and advance the public good.
He has served as Township Assessor and Clerk,
and in politics has been a stanch Rc|)ublican since

casting his first Presidential vote for Abraham
Lincoln in 1860. lie has served as delegate to the
Congressional Conventions, but has never been an
active politician. Socially he is connected with
the Grand Army of the Republic. In all the re-
lations of life he is found true and faithful, and
ill Ills duties of citizenship manifests the same loy-
alty lliat lie displayed when on .Southern battle-
fields he followed the Stars and Stripes to victor^'.

THE NEV/ YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY

j^TOR, LENOX AND

TVLDEN FOUNOATIONS

It L

■J^i

GKN. C. H. BKRRY.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

149

^^.

i^K=_

••••

Hon. Charles Henry Berry.

-^'^^•^^•^v

?^iv^-

^^^^^

•I I

ON. CIIARI-KS IIKNRV HKRRV. altor-
ncv-at-law of Wiinnia. was born in llie
town of Wostt'iU'. U. I., on the 12tli of
September. lK2.'i, iind comes of an old family of
that >t.itc, iPidbably of Iluiiuenot origin. The
groal-graiid father was .Saniuti Herry, Sr. The
grandfather, wiio al>o bore iho name of Samuel,
was IxMii in Rhode l>land, and in 1774 served a.n
.Instiee of the Peace anil of the Se>sions in tiie town
of Westerly, in the Colony of Rhode Nhuid. under
King (leorge III. When the independence of the
I nited Stali'> was e^taltlished he was re-appolnted
to the same otilce nnder the new (Jovernment. Ik-
was u farmer, and owned large landed interests,
and was also engaged in the coasting trade. His
death occurred May 21), IHI 1, at the age of sixty-
seven years. The maternal grandfather, Henry
Stanton, was a native of .Stonington, Conn., an<l
there made Ills home until called to his linal rest
in October, 1H1;», at the age of sixty years. He
was one of the heroes of the Revolution, and was
a direct descendant of Thomas .Stanton, who em-
barked for ,\nierica on the 2d of .lannary, Ki.'l.'),
from Lontlon, in tin; merchantman "lionaventura."
After n residence of two years in \ iiginia and

JIassacliusetts he settled in Hartford, Conn., in
1(;.'?7, and llicie married .\iin Lord, daughter of
Dr. Thomas and Dorothy Lord, of Hartford.

.Samuel Koster Rerry, father of the General, was
in early life a sea-faring man. and engaged in the
coasting trade, sailing to ports along the Atlantic.
In 1828 he lui ned his attention to farming, and
also engaged in milling to some extent. He re-
moved from Rhode Island to New Yfirk in Octo-
ber, 1K2H, and settled at what is now Calon. live
miles south of the village of ('orniiii:. where his
last days were passed. He died in 1H6."), at the
age of seventy-six, and his wife passed away De-
cember 1'.*, 187;"), at the age of eighty. She Ihuc
the maiden name of Lucy Stanton, and like her
husband was a native of Rhode Island. In early
lifeshe was a mcmbei' of the .Seventh-Day Haplist
Church, but after removing to New York joined
the Methodist Episcopal Cliurcli. .Mr. Heirv was
for a short time engaged in coast defense during
the War t>f 1812. at (irotoii and other point.s
along the Rluidc Island and Connecticut coast. To
him and his wife were iKirn four sons and six
ilaiigliters, of whom the following are yet living:
Samuel Spicer, of Corning. N. Y.: Charles II.;

150

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

PhcBbe, wife of .lolin M. Wolcolt, of Catoii. X. Y.;
iMiiily, widow of .lolin Ross, of Maine, N. Y.;
Eunice, wife of .lonas (Inflitli, f>f Elgin, III.; and
Elizabeth E, widow of llirnin i\ii:ii)ij, of Goshen,
Ind.

diaries Henry Berry lefl Khode Island with his
parents when a child of four years, and lived in
Caton, N. Y., until 1838. During his boyhood he
aided in clearing the dense timber from the farm.
He acquired his early education in the schools es-
tablished by law, and in 1838 went to the village
of Maine, where he entered a select school earned
on by Rev. William Gates. There he continued
until early in 1843, when he entered an academy
in Canandaigua, N. Y., from which he was gradu-
ated on completing the prescribed course in 1846.
Immediately after he bcg.-in studying law in the
office of E. G. Lapliam, afterward Senator Laphani,
and was admitted to the Bar in 1848, from the office
of Alva \Vorden, of Canandaigua.

Mr. Berry entered upon practice in Corning in
1849, and there continued until 1855, since which
time he has been a resident and a jirominent legal
practitioner of Winona. In 1857 he was honored
by an election to the office of Attornej'-General of
Minnesota, and thus served until 18G0, the first to
hold that office during Minnesota's existence as
a state. He was also .State Senator in 1874-75, and
has from time to time held municipal offices. Dur-
ing the first term of President Cleveland's admin-
istration he was appointed Associate .Justice of the
Supreme Court of the territory of Idaho, and his
rulings on the Edmunds law, which were carried by
appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States,
at ^V.•lshington, and there sustained, as well .as by

the Supreme Court of the territory of Idaho, led
to the abandonment of pol^'gamy by the Mormons.
He has always been a Democrat, and was a member
of the National Conventions of 1864 and 1872.
When slavery existed he was an opponent of that
nistitiition.

In l.S;')f) .Mr. Berry married .Miss Frances Eliza
Ihibbell. daughter of I'hilo P. and Eliza (Backus)
llubbell. the wedding being celebrated in Corning.
N. Y. One child was born of that union, Kate
Louise, now the wife of Charles A. Morey, the
junior member of Berry ife More}'. They have
four children: Jeannette, Charles B., Frances and
Bertha L.

Mr. Berry was made a Mason in the lodge of
Painted Post, N. Y., in 1852. His wife belongs to
the Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the
Old Settlers' Association of Winona County. He
is one of the oldest residents of this place, has been
lirominently identified with its best interests, edu-
cational and otherwise, and is one of its most pub-
lic-spirited and useful citizens. He was instru-
mental in the establishment of the State Normal
School at this place, and has always taken a lively
interest in the public schools, and atone time held
the office of resident Director. He is a gentleman
of fine a|)pearance, witii a noble and manly bear-
ing, which is in keeping with his lionorable and
upright character. His ability and skill at the Bar
have made him widely known in legal circles, and
his prominence in politics has gained him many
acquaintances, but his best friends aVe among those
who have witnesseiJ his every-day life and have
had opjiortunity to judge of his true nobility.

-^.

PORTRAIT -AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

151

James H. Swindler.

IAMKS 11. SWINDLKK. a fanner of Ilillsd.-ilc
To\viislii|>, residing on section 3.5. is numbcied
^ anioiij; the pioneer settlers of Winona Coun-
ty. Ilo iias long witnessed its growtli and
advancenienl, and lias aided in its progress and
development. From the time when it was a fron-
tier settlement he has l>een familiar witii its liislory.
lias seen its wild lands transfoiiiied into lieautiftil
homes and farms, and has witnessed the organiza-
tion and growth of towns and villages which had
not sprung into existence at the time of his arrival.
In all the work of public improvement he has
taken an active interest and has ever home lii>
part.

Mr. Swin<llcr w.as liorn nc;ir Hrownsville, Fay-
ette County. Pa., on the r2tli of April. 1H->H. and
comes of I'jiglish origin. His father. Hcnjamiii
F. .Swindler, was a native of the Keystone State,
and having altained his majority he married Miss
Klizaheth Williams, by whom he had a family of
ten children, seven sons and three daughters:
Henrietta and (ieorge W.. both now deceased;
.lames II.. of this sketch; William, ii mason, resid-
ing in Pftcilie, Mo.; Klla M.. Klizabetli and Thomas.
All deceased; Albert, who carries on agricultural
pursuits in Iowa; and Samuel and l'',li. wlm Irive
passed away.

The subject of this notice attended the district
•<eU<x>ls at intervals until about seventeen years of
•gc and acquired a fair business education, lie
began earning his livelihood at the age of ten.
working on a farm for his uncle for his boanl and
clothing. On reaching his majority lie commenced
work at the plasterer's trade, serving a two-years

a|)prei)liccsliip, during which time he received
ifl..jO per month. His residence in Pennsylvania
continued until 18.5:?. when he emigrated westward
to .St. Louis. Mo., and a few months later went
lo Keillisburg. HI., where he made his home
until tiie spring of 1855. In that year, bj his ar-
rival in Minnesota, Winona County gained one
of its valued citizens. He |)rc-empted a tract of
one liiiiiilred ;iiid twenty ncres of land on section
:!.'). Hillsdale Township, aixl has since made his
iiotiie thereon. A log cabin had been built upon
the place, but it was otherwise destitute of im-
provements, aid with characteristic energy he be-
gan its' further development. In course of time he
had transformed it into a rich and fertile tract,
and the well tilled liclds were made to yield him a
golrlen tribute for the care and labor he bestowed
upon them. He also extended the boundaries of his
farm until it eoiiipiised one hundred and liftv-two
acres. In connection with farming he also worked
at the plasterer's trade until a few years since.

.Mr. Swindler was married on the 25th of May.
1851. the lady of his choice being Miss Lydia
Dribblebiss, a native of Columbia County. Pa., born
December Ufi, IH.'Jn, and a daughter of .lacob an<i
ALaiy (Fverett) Dribblebiss. Six children were
born of this marriage, namely: Altha A., wife of
Robert 1{. Hiehcy. general agent of the Chicago A-
Norlli-»vesterii Hailroad Company at Omaha. Neb.;
Albert, a general merchant and Postmaster of
Stockton, .Minn.; N'e.sta K.. -.vIk) resides at home;
(ieorge, who ilicd on the 5tli of .lanuary, 18G!I;
(Jertrudc M.. wife of (J. S, ItlanchanL a farmer re-
siding in I'ticH Township; and Myrtle H., twin sis-

152

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ter of Gertrude, and wife of F. M. Curtis, who is
located in Lewiston. Their eldest daughter, Mrs.
Richey. was tlie first wliite child born in this neigh-
borhood.

Mr. Swindler votes with the Republican party
and is a warm advocate of its principles. He

been Chairman of the Town Board of Supervisors,
was United States Census Taker in 1880, and has
been a member of the School Board for a number
of years. The cause of education finds in him a
warm friend, and he does all in his power to pro-
mote the welfare of the schools. He is a member

has held the oflice of .Justice of the Peace, has of the Methodist Church

Albert Thomas.

<iTX LBEIIT THOMAS, deceased, was a native
/ — \ of Maine, born near Augusta, on tiie •24tli
of Februar}'. 1834, and was one of a fam-
ily of five sons, whose parents were Jacob and
Elizabeth (Brown) Thomas. The days of his boy-
hood and youth were spent upon his father's farm,
no event of special importance occurring during
that period. He acquired a good business educa-
tion in the public schools, .and at the age of fovir-
teen started out in life for himself. From that
time he was dependent on his own resources, and
whatever success he achieved in life was due en-
tirely to his own efforts. Between the ages of sev-
enteen and twenty-four years he was employed in
teaching in the grammar schools in Maine, and
with the capital he had thus acquired he then em-
barked in the boot and shoe Inisiness, establishing
a store in Hallowell, Me., where he successfully
carried on operations for a period of eight years.
Mr. Tliomas then determined to trj' iiis fort-
une in the AVest, believing that greater prosperity
might attend his efforts in this new and rapidly
growing section of the country'. Accordingly he

came to Winona Count}' and settled in .Stockton,
where during the succeeding winter he engaged in
teaching school. In the spring of 1858 became
to Winona, where he was employed as a teacher
in the public schools until 1860, when he again
went to Stockton and purchased a faun of about
two hundred acres. He then carried on general
farming in connection with teaching for about
eigbtyears. In 1868 he removed to Winona, where
he opened an office as a fire and life insurance
agent, carrying on that business until his death.
He owned considerable real estate in the city and
also other propert}-.

On the 6tli of June, 1849, Mr. Thomas was united
in marriage with Miss Mar^' D. Churchill, who was
))orn in Parker, Me., and is a daughter of Jabez
and Pha'be (Hazelton ) Churchill. Five children
were born of this union, three sons and two daugh-
ters, namely: Lizzie, who died on the 7th of Sep-
tember, 1851; Fred A., who is Register of Deeds
of Bottineau County, N. Dak.; Charles F., who
makes his home in Minnesota City as joint agent
for the Milwaukee S: St. Paul and Chicago & North-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

]y3

western Railroads; Walter H., who is engaged in
tiie hardware business in North Dakota; and Al-
berta M., wife of Joseph Benson, who is engaged
in nicrtliandising at Brown's Valley, Minn.

In his political views Mr. Thcmias was a Repub-
lican, but nevei sought or desired oflicial distinc-
tion, preferring to give his time and attention to
his business interests, in which he met with good
success, so that he was enabled to leave his family
in comfortable circumstances. He belonged to the
Masonic fraternity, and in religious belief was a

Baptist, holding membership with the first church
of that denomination organized in Winona. His
life was an honorable and upright one, and all
who knew him esteemed him highly for his ster-
ling worth and the many excellences of his char-
acter. He was called to the home beyond on the
7th of May, 1869, and his remains were interred
in Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona. His widow,
a most estimable lady, still survives her husband,
and is now living in Stockton, where she has a
pleasant home and many friends.

John Francis Martin.

JOHN FRANCIS MARTIN has been promi-
nent in tlie agricultural and official interests
of Winona County, and dm-ing the late war
he was found among the able defenders of
his country who responded to the call for troops
and valiantly aided in crushing out the rebellion.
He now resides on section 9, Pleasant Hill Town-
ship, and devotes his time and attention to gen-
eral farming and stock-raising. The record of his
life is as follows:

A native of France, Mr. Martin was born in the
city of Vesoul, in 1825, and is a son of John and
Annie (Pagt) Martin. They had only two chil-
dren, John F.. and Joseph, who died in 18-10. The
father was called to his final rest in 1828, after
which Mrs. Martin became the wife of John Mosher.
By the second marriage were born five children:
Eliza, Mary, Christine and Anthony, all deceased;

and Lucinda Mary, the wife of Hubert Merchand,
a druggist and land-owner residing in Ohio.

John F. Martin was a child of only three years
at the time of his father's death. When a lad of
ten summers he accompanied his mother on her
emigration to America, crossing the Atlantic in a
sailing-vessel, which, after a voyage of thirty-six
d.ays, dropped anchor in the harbor of New York.
They located near Mt. Eaton, in Linn County,
Ohio, where Mr. Martin remained until 1838, when
he removed to Holmes County, Ohio. In 1840 he
became a resident of Coshocton County, of the
Buckeye State. He began life for himself at the
early age of twelve years, and has since been de-
pendent on his own resources. He first began
clerking in a store, and was thus employed for
about twelve years in Roscoe, Cleveland, and in
Louisville. Attracted by the discovery of gold in

15J

PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPIIICAL RECORD.

California, in 1849 he started across the plains for
llie promised El Dorado. Tiie party with which he
made the trip went down the river to Cairo and
St. Louis, wliere lliey purcliased outfits, sliipping
the same to Independence, Mo. They then started
across the ])lains, making the journey by way of
<;ld Ft. Kearney. Tiiey left home on the 20th of
March, and on the 26th of August stopped at what
is now Sacramento. There Mr. Martin engaged in
prospecting and mining until 1852, and his trip
proved a very successful and a very pleasant one,
he gaining a considerable portion of gold dust,
and also storing away in his mind many ])leasant
and interesting reminiscences.

In 1852 Mr. Martin, by way of the water route,
returned to his old home. The trip consumed
sixt3'-four days, but the boat was supplied with
provisions for only thirty days. However, the
vessel at length reached harbor in safety, and the
subject of this sketch again made his way to Ohio,
where he was once more employed as a salesman.
The same year he went to Cleveland, whore he se-
cured a position with a wholesale grocery house as
solicitor and adjuster, a position which he fiUeil
until 1854. Wishing to seek a home in the West,
lie tiien removed to Iowa, and witli the capital he
had acquired purchased a tract of land of livcliiiii-
dred acres near Iowa City, but only made his home
thereon from .lune until October, lie then sold
out, and in the winter of 1851 came to Winona.'
Locating at Richmond, he purchased a tract of land
of about tJiree hundred acres, securing tlie same,
or the greater part of it, from the Government.
He laid out tiie village of HichiiKHKl in 1855, and
immediately established a general store, which he
carried on in connection with fanning. lie was
thus engaged in business until 18ii0. when lie re-
moved to the farm on which he now lives, and es-
tablished a general store at Ridgeway. In .luly,
1864, he joined the army, becoming sutler of the
Seventh Minnesota Infantry, and when the war
was over he was discharged at Kt. Snelling, in Au-

gust, 1865. Immediately after he returned to his
home and family.

On the I3tli of March, 1853, Mr. Martin was
united in marriage with Miss P>lizabeth Morrison,
daughter of Zachariah and Maria (Butler) Morri-
son. The lady, who is a native of Holmes County,
Ohio, was born on tlie 4th of July, 1832, and was
one of six children, the others being John; William;
Isaac, a resident of Etlingham, 111.; Maria, wife of
Abraham Barnes, who is living in Winnebago; and
J^ouisa, wife of John Broadwell. a resident of Wi-
nona.

After his return home in 1865, Mr. Martin be-
gan farming, which he carried on until 1867, when
he was elected Sheriff of the county on the Demo-
cratic ticket, and for three successive terms he was
chosen to that office. He was also appointed Dep-
uty United Slates Marshal, which position he
held for five years. In 1873, after his term of
Sheriff had ex|)ired, he returned to his old home in
Ohio, and visited many different parts of this
country, traveling until 1875, when he took up his
residence upon the farm which is now his home.
Here he owns two hundred and forty acres of land
on sections !• and 16, Pleasant Hill Townsliip, and
his time and attention are now given to the culti-
vation of his land and to stock-raising. He is
recognized as one of the leading .agriculturists in
the community, and has a valuable place, whose
many improvements are indicative of his thrifty
care and su[)ervision. In 1891 he was apjwinted
b^' the Governor as Notary Public, to serve for
seven years. In politics he is a stanch Democrat,
warmly advocating the principles of his parly, and
ill his social relations is a Mason, having attained
the Knights Templar degree. In tiie various (iiib-
lic offices he has filled he li.ns discharged his duties
with a promptness and fidelity which have won for
him high commendation, and made him worthy the
trust repo.sed in him. In business he has won suc-
cess, owing to enterjirise and careful iranagement,
and is now the possessor of a comfortable compe-
tence.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Volney E. Waffles.

\<^OLNKY K. WAFFLES, who carries on
'' f!iriniii<i; on .section 7, Wiscoy Township,
was born in Mohawk, lleritiiner County,
N. Y., on tiie 3d of July, 1843, and is the eldest in
a family of four children, whose parents were John
and .Saraii A. (Maxtield) WaHlcs. The family is
of German origin, and was established in the United
States in Colonial days. The f.alher was a native
of New York, and became a harness-maker. For a
number of yeai-s he carried on a harness and sad-
dlery shop, and thus provided a livelihood for
himself and family. His death occurred February
20, 1887, at the .ige of seventy-two years, and his
wife died on the 25lh of February, 1863, when
only forty years of age. The paternal grandfather,
Adam WatHes, was a soldier in the Mexican War.
In the family to which Volney E. belongs were the
following children: Orlando, who died on the 9th
of April, 1880; Clinton, who is suppcxsed to have
been killed while serving under General Custer:
and Minerva, who died in 18.")4.

Mr. Waffles, our subject, began his education
ill the district schools, and completed it in Fair-
field Seminary, thus acquiring a good practical
knowledge, which ha.s well fitted him for his busi-
ness career and for contact with the world, lie
was still under the parental roof when he re-
sponded to the country's call for troops to aid in
crushing out the rebellion. When it w.ts found that
the war was to be no liolid.ay alTiiir, and President
Lincoln had issued his call for volunlcei-s to serve
three years. Mr. Wntllcs doniu'd the blue anci

joined Uatlery A ot the First New York Light
.Vrlillery. lie was nuisleied in at I'lica, and going
to the South was first under fire at Williamsburg.
He afterward participated in the siege of Y'ork-
town, the battle of Fair Oaks, the seven-daj's
Lattle of the Wilderness, Savage Stat-on, the first
assault on Petersburg, and then went on the Katz
Cavalry raid through the Virginias, and afterward
through the borders of North Carolina. At the
battle of Fair Oaks his battery was captured. Mr.
Waffles and others escaped, and were transferred to
the Eighth New Y'ork Independent IJattery. He
took part in many skirmishes, and was with .Mac-
Clellan on his cani]iaign. He was also present at
the time of the surrender of .Suffolk, and received
his final discharge in the city of New York on the
expiration of his term of service.

Mr. Waffles then returned to New York and en-
tered upon his business career as a clerk in a gen-
eral store, where he was employed until 18G(;. He
then sought a home in the West, coming to Wi-
nona County, Minn. He engaged in farming in
Wilson Township for about four years, after which,
in 187<i, he began teaching school. In the spring
of 1871 he removed to Milwaukee, where he was
employed as shipping clerk in a wholesale grocery
house, which position he held for two years. In
the year 1871 he l)egan work on the Chicago,
Milwauket tV St. I'aul Hailrnad, and then went into
the olHce as yard clerk, where he continued until
1875. That year witnessed his return to Winona.
Here he sought and obtained a position as sales-

156

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

man in a store, and devoted his energies to that
line of work until 1881, when he removed to St.
Paul, where he served as Chief Clerk for the Chi-
cago, Milwaukee <fe St. Paul Railroad Company, a
position which he resiii:ned in .laniKirv, 1889. He
then returned to the farm where he now lives,
comprising eighty-seven acres of good land on
section 7, Wiscoy Town.-iliip.

On the 14th of February, 186(), was celebrated
the marriage which united the destinies of Miss
Lana E. ISIiller, daughter of Nicholas and .Magda-
lene (Abert) Miller, and a native of Burlington,
AVis. They have had a family of five children, as
follows: Clinton, a resident of Wilson Township;
Edwin .)., a railroad man living in Colorado;

Volney A. and Mabel S., who are at home; and

Charles M., who did .July 17, 1881, at the age of
seventeen mc)nlhs.

In his political views Mr. \Va files is independent,
holding himself free to support the men whom he
thinks best qualified for the oflice, regardless of
parly ties or affiliations. He has served as Justice
of the Peace. Socially he is connected with the
Odd Fellows' society, and is also a member of the
Crand Army of the Republic. All who know him
hold him in high regard, and his sterling worth
and many excellences of character make him well
deserving of the esteem and confidence of his
friends and neighbors.

Joseph Leicht.

JOSEPH LEICHT, editor and proprietor of the
Winona W'cstliraer Herold, is a native of
Germany. In that country he received a
university education, and in 1807 emigrated
to America, locating in St. Louis, where he worked
on the Abondzeitung and Ni'iie Wilt until 18GI). In
that year he accepted a position with the Buffalo
County Jiepublikawr, pulilished at Fountain Cit^-,
Wis., where he continued as an employe until 1871.
when he bought out the paper and began publish-
ing it as a Democratic sheet. This venture was
successful and he secured a large circulation.

In .lanuary, 1881, Mr. Leicht established the
Westlicher Herold\n Winona, and after carrying on
the same for six years enlarged its size to .3;")x48
inches. It is all home print. In 1887 he also es-
tablished a literary and newsy Sunday paper, called

the Winona, the subscription price of both pa
pers being |2 per year. This was the first under-
taking of the kind among the German publishers
in the I'liiteil .States. The Westlicher Ilerold nni\
the M'inoHO both have a large circulation in .Minn-
esota, Wisconsin and North and .Suitli Dakota,
and the new undertaking of publishing twice a
week lor ?2 per year, which was pronounced by
some of the fraternity a failure, h.is since been im-
itated by other publishers E:u-l and West. The
circulatitui of the Ivvopapei's has increased to such
an extent that Mr. Leicht found it neces,<arv in
1892 to place a big Cox- Webb perfecting |)ress in
the pressroom to run off his editions. The papei>
are neatly printed and enji>y a large advertising
l)atronage.

Mr. Leicht is a prominent member in a number

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RPXORD.

l'>7

iif social and secret societies, and nt tiie last session
of the Supreme Grove of the L'niterl Ancient
Order of Druids, held in Columbus, Ohio, from
August 11 to August 20, 18'J4, he was elected Su-
jireme Arch, the highest office of that order in the
liiited States. In politics Mr. Leicht is a Demo-
crat, and in 1892 he was the unanimous choice of
his partv for State Treasurer. lie never accepted

:i nomination for a city office, but in 1893 he had
to submit to the wishes of the taxpayers of his
ward, and he was elected School Director, which
posiljiin he .•■till Imlds. lie is working hard for llic
elevation of our public schools, and in this work
he has the iiiianimou'4 support of all friends of
education.

William Edward Smith.

< ^ • I M.I AM KDWARD SMITH, business
\/ X,' ninnagor of the I). Sinclair Publishing
Company of U'iiiona, is an enterpris-
ing nofl prominent business man, devoted to the
liest interests of this community and its u])build-
ing. lie was born in Bridgeport, Conn., on the
2()th of June, 18.53, and is the eldest of three sons,
whftse parents were Haskell C. and Lucietia (Col-
lins) Smith. The i>atcrnal giandf:ither. Ashbel
Smith, was bf)rn in Vermont, and was of Knglish
lineage, lie reared a large family and lived to
a good old age. The maternal gran<lfather, Cicero
Collins, was a native of Connecticut, .ind was of
Knglish lineage. lie also reared a large family and
lived to an advanced age. One of his ancestors
was the lirst resident minister of Litchfield, Conn.
Haskell f;. Smith, who was born in the Oreen
Moiintniii .Stat*?, was a railroad man. and for some
lime was general manager for a road on Long
Island. He afterwards retired to a farm near
Ooshen. Conn., where he spent Ins last days, his
death occurring August 19. 1«H3, at the age of
sixtv-seven. His wife, a native of Connecticut.

still survives him. Their three children arc Will-
iam E., Edward C. and Charles C.

The eldest son was reared in Goshen, Conn., and
began his educ^ition in its public schools, after
which he attended boarding-schools in Xorwalk
and New Haven, Conn., preparing himself to lake
up a scientific course in Yale College, which he en-
tered in 1869. He there continued his studies for
three years, fitting himself for a civil engineer.
whicli profession he followed from 1872 until
1871. In that year he leturned to the old home-
stead, where he remained until 1877, when he
came to the West and entered the employ of the
North-western Road, in the supply department at
Clinton, Iowa. He left that place on the 2'.'lh of
.lanuary, 1878, and cnme atoncc to Winona. Minn.,
to fill the position in that company's shops of
chief clerk, in which capacity he .served for ten
months, when he was made traveling auditor. To
that position he devoted his time and energies
until 18«1. when he returned to the shops at
Winona.

On the 7lh of November. 1879, Mr. Smith was

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

united in iiianiagc with Miss Clara M. Sinclair,
daughter of Daniel and Melissa J. (Briggs) Sin-
claii'. Three cliildicn were horn to them: Donald,
who died at the age of eight years; and Gordon
and Stanley, who are still with their parents.

Mr. Smith is a ineniher of Prairie Lodge No. 7,
1. (). (). F.; and of Oak Crove Lodge No. 15, Or-
der of Druids. His wife belongs to the Congrega-

tional Church. On the 1st of January, 1883, he
imrchased an interest in the Winona Republican, a
daily and weekly' newspaper, in eonnection with
which there is also carried on a job-printing de-
partment and bindery. The [lublishers also own
their building, a fine three-story brick structure at
the corner of Third and Center Streets.

Almus H. Smith.

ST^ LMUS II. SMITH, a wide-awake and eiiter-
/ — \ prising citizen of Winona County, and
the owner of Ihllsdale Park Farm, claims
New York as the slate of his nativity, his birth
having occurred near Elniira, in Chemung County,
in September, 1841. He is theeldestof three chil-
dren, whose parents were Lorenzo D. and C\'nthia
C. (Chalfield) Smith. His sister Ali)hia is the
wife of Michael Doran, a residentof Winona; and
Amelia is the widow of John Kenny, and makes
her home in South Dakota.

The father of this family was a cabinet-maker
liy trade. He resided in the Empire State until
18;jl, when he determined to seek a home in the
West, and emigrated to Oswego, 111., where he
woiked at his trade for about a year. In 18.')2 he
came to Minnesota, settling in St. Paul, where he
carried on cabinet-making until 1H.")-1. In the
spring of that year he came to Winona, having
been appointed receiver in the land-ollice at that
place, a Government |>osjtion. which he held for
about two years. He was one of the company who
organized the Transit Railroad, now a part of the
Chicago it North-western System, took considerable

stock in the enterprise, and became one of the Di-
rectors of the company, but the road was not com-
pleted at that time. It now forms a part of what
IS known as the Winona A- St. Peter Railroad.
Subsequently, Mr. Smith turned his attention to
the real-estate business, which he carried on in
Winona until his death. He p.assed away on the
3d of Se[ileml)er, 186.'!, and was laid to rest in
Winona Cemeteiy. He held membership with the
Masonic lodge, and was recognized as one of the
leading business men of the city. He possessed
excellent executive ability, was ssigacious and far-
sighted, and labored not only for his own interest,
but was also deepl}' interested in the welfare of his
adopted count3'.

Almus II. Smith accompanied his parents on
their various removals, and at the age of ten years
came with them to Winona County. In the pulv
lie schools he acquired a practical English educa-
tion, and when seventeen jears of age he began
life for himself. For a few months he engaged in
grading railroads, and then turned his adention
to agricultural pursuits, which Itc followed until
December, 1864. He was then twenty years of

PORTRAIT AND r.IOORAl'IIICAL RECORD.

\y.>

!\go. Al thill t'mu' he enlisted in the Union serr-
ice, hecominj;; a privule of Company (), Secoiui
Minnesota Cavalry. He was mustered in at Ft.
Snelling, and was sent to Ft. Ridgley, on the front-
ier, wliere lie was engaged in guarding Indians.
The war having ended, lie was honorably dis-
charged in December, \Hi'u>, and at once returned
111 Winona Count}'.

Here Mr. Smith resumed farming, and lived upon
llie old homestead for ten years, from 18G6 until
1><76, when he rented a farm, which was his home
for alx)ut seven years. On the expiration of that
period he purchased the Hillsdale Park F'arm, which
is now his home. It is a valuable and desirable
pl.acc, and yields to the owner a good income.

On the 28lli of November. 1872, was celebrated
the iiiarriai'e of Mr. Smith and Miss .Jennie ('.

Floyd, who was born in Lawrence County. Ohio.
• m the 2.")th of April. 18')(). and is a daughter of
James M. and I^lizabelh (Wilgus) F'loyd. To
them were born three children, but Clarence C,
born F'ebruary 27, 1877, is the only one now liv-
ing. Harry and Herby, twins, both died in in-
fancy. Sir. and Mr.s. Smith are widely and favor-
ably known in this community, having many warm
friends, and in social circles they hold an enviable
position. Mr. .Smith is independent in politics,
voting for the man whom he thinks best qualified
for office, regardless of party affiliations. He has
served as Township Clerk and Chairman of the
Hoard of Supervisors. His life has been quietly
passed, yet has been one of usefulness, and he is
regarded as one of the leading f.irmers of Hillsdale
Township.

William Lewis.

\ A ill. I, I AM I.KWIS is the owner of a val-
\/\ uiible farm iif forty-two .acres on .m'c-
tion 11), Warren Township, and in con-
nection with the cultivation of his land carries
on stf>ck-i:iising. He is recognized a^ one of the
leading agriculturists of the community, and as
such deserves nientit)n in this volume. He is a
Western man. his birth having occurred near Hen-
niiigton, ill Decatur County, Ind., onllio ;UI of
April, IHlo. His parent*, Jonathan S. and Mary
(Hamor) Lewis, had a family (pf sixlccii cliiidr<'n.
nine sons and seven daughters. When William
was a lad of ten summers they left the Hoosicr
State and emigrated to Minnesota, settling in
I'tica Township, Winon.i County.

Upon his father's farm the subject of this notice
was reared to manhood, and in the district schools

of llie neighborhood his education was acquired.
He w.-is still under the parental roof at the time fif
his enlistment in his country's service. On the
25111 of February, 1864, he joined thebo.vs in blue
of Company H. Seventh Minnesota Infantry, and
was mustered in at Rochester, then Ft. Snelling.
The troops were ordered to .St. Louis, and thence
to Tupelo, where occurred his lirst engagement.
He afterward participated in the battles of N.ash-
ville and Mobile, and the siege and capture of
.Spanish Fort, and was in many smaller cngnge-
ments. He was very fortunate, in that he was
never wounded or taken prisoner, and when the
war was over ami the South bad laiii down its
arms he was honorably discharged, being mustered
out at St. Paul on the 16th of August, 1865.

Mr. Lewis at once returned to his home in Wi-

1(1(1

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

noiiu County, and inucliased ti farm of eight}'
acres on section 23, I'lica Townsiii|), where he
lived for seven years. On llie expiration of that
jjeriod lie removed to Lewislon, and carried the
mail from tliat place to Enterprise. The two suc-
ceeding years of his life were passed in Winona,
after which he came to the farm which has since
been his home.

Mr. Lewis was married on the ifltli of ,Sei)tem-
ber, 1867, to Miss Rose Nichols, and six children
graced their \iiiioii. Edward, llie eldest, died in

1869; Isabel is nf)w the wife of William Mason, a
resident of Winona; Ella and Herbert are at home;
Lawience died in 1889; and Harry completes the
family. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Dunkard
Church. He takes no very prominent part in public
affairs, lias never been a politician, but is content
to devote his time and energies to his home and
business interests. He is energetic, and by good
management and well directed efforts has acquired
a comfortable competence and becf>me the owner
of a valu.'ilde farm.

Clarke A. Fuller.

eLARKE A. FULLER, one of the higiily
respected citizens of Wiscoy Township,
living on section 11, has been a resident
of Winona County for thirty-four years, and well
deserves mention in her history. He was born in
Addison County, At., on the 20111 of .Iiinc, 1836,
and is a son of Thomas and Marinda ((iilmore)
Fuller. The father, who was also a native of
the Green Mountain State, was of English de-
scent. He was married in the ^tate of his nativity,
and by this union were born three children: Har-
riet, who became Mrs. Spencer, and died in 1858;
Clarke A., of this sketch; and Angle, who married
•John Moon, and died in .lanuary. 1890. Hy occu-
pation the father was a farmer, and followed that
business throughout his entire life. His death oc-
curred at his .son's house in Winona County, in
his seventy-fourth year, and his wife passed away
before the close of the Civil War.

In the usual manner of farmer lads Clarke Ful-
ler spent the days of his boyhood and youth. His

education was acquired in tiie district and select
schools, which he attended until about nineteen
years of age, and in Rochester Academy, of Roch-
ester, Vt. He tlius became well informed on all
the common, and many of the higher, branches of
learning, and by reading in later years he has kept
well posted on the affairs of tlic day. On attain-
ing his majority, he entered upon his business ca-
reer, and chose the West as tlie scene of his labors.
Leaving the (ireen Mountain .State, he traveled by
rail, water and team until he had reached Minne-
sota, when he made a location in Freeborn Coun-
ty, near the city of Freeborn. He took up a claim
of one hundred and sixty acres, but never made
his home upon the land, for he had secured a posi-
tion as engineer and sawyer in a steam-mill, where
he remained for two years. On the expiration of
that period he engaged in teaching school for one
year. Mr. Fuller then came to Winona County
and settled in Wisco}- Township, where he pur-
chased forty acres of land on section 12. This he

PORTRAIT AND I5IOGRAPH1CAL RECORD.

IRI

still owns, it bein<: a pnit of his present faim,
which now (.•oinprises two luindrcfi acres of valua-
ble land. His lields are well tilled, his farm is un-
der a high state of cultivation, and good improve-
ments are theie seen. lie raises both grain and
stock, and his labors bring hira a comfortable com-
petence.

Mr. Fuller has been twice married. On the ;U1
of May, 1860, he was married to Miss Hets\- K.
Montgomery, and to them was born a dftughter,
Adelia, now the wife of William Dick, a farmer
near Marshland, Wis. Mrs. Fuller died on the 17lh
of November, 1866, and the subject of this sketch
was again married. October 8, 1867, his second
union being with Mrs. .lulia .lenkinson. They
have seven children, namely: Frances, wife of
Alonzo Kendrick, a farmer residing in Wisco^'
Township; (ieorge and Walter, who aid in the
oiKjration of the home farm; Herbert, who is en-
gaged in school teaching; Chauncey, Louis and
.lohnnie, who are still with their parents. The
family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of
death.

In his political allilialions Mr. Fuller is a Re-
publican, having supported that party since he at-

tained his majority', lie has been three times
nominated for the Legislature, but owing to the
large Democratic majority in the county has never
been elected. His nomination, however, shows his
high standing in his own party, and the confidence
reposed in him by his coustiluenljj. He is now
serving as Township Clerk, and has held that otlice
altogether for twenty years. With the exception
of six years, he has during his entire residence in
Winona County served as a member of the Town-
ship Houi<l of Supervisors. He was one of the
County Coinini^sioneis for five years, being tirst
elected to fill a vacancy, at which tinie he served
for two yeai"s, after which he was re-elected for a
term of three years. He has also been .lustice of
the Peace for some time. His long continuance in
office indicates not oul^' his personal popularity,
but also tells of faithful and efficient service and
of duties pi'omptly performed. Mr. Fuller is a
valued citizen, in that he takes an active interest
ill everything |)ertaining to the welfare of tlu'
community and its upbuilding. He belongs lo the
M.asonic fraternity, and is an active worker and
leading member in the Congregational Church.

Silas Braley.

lT 11. A'- l;KAIJ-;Y,ex-Micriff of Winona (oiiii-
^^) ly,anil a member of the Winona Construc-
tion Company, which is engaged in pav-
ing, sewer work and general contracting, is recog-
nized as one of the most enterprising business men
of the city. He was born near Montpelier, \'l.,
.May 1, 1811, and is one of a family of three chil-
ilreii, whose parent.-* were .John and Abigail (Fuller)

IJrnlcy. His >i-lcr, Hetsy, is now the wifeof .\lvin
I'ierce, of Wcstboro. Wis., and his brother. Alvin.
re*ides in Winona. The father of this family was
born on the old Itraley homestcnd in the Green
Mountain State in the year 1810, and was a farm-
er by occupation. He resideil in \'ermonl until
18-l'.l, when, accompanied by his family, he started
for the West, anil took up his residence in Oshkosli.

162

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RPXORD.

Wis., where he continued to reside iintil 1864. In
that year lie removed to Fond du Lac, where he
remained until 1868, and tiien went to Cherokee
County, Iowa. His remaining days were lliere
passed. His deatli occurred in 1894, at tlieagc of
seventy-five, many years after his wife was called
to the home beyond. She, too, was born in Ver-
mont, and died at the early age of thirty-two
years. The Hralcy famih^ is of English origin,
and was founded in America by ancestors who
crossed the brinj' deep on the "Mayflower." The
grandfather, Silas Braley, spent his entire life in
Vermont.

The gentleman whose name heads this record
was a child of only four years when lie was taken
by his parents to Wisconsin. He continued at
home until eighteen years of age, and then started
out in life for himself. During the three years
which followed before he had attained his ma-
jority, he paid his father ^20 per month for his
freedom. Going to Oslikosh, he engaged in lum-
beiing, following that business about four years,
when he entered the shipyards and began learn-
ing the ship-carpenter's trade, serving a three-
years apprenticeship. On the expiration <>( that
period he resumed lumbering, to which he devoted
his time and energies until 1870, when he came to
Minnesota, in company' with A. .1. 1 lay ward, and
engaged in logging for two years. He then enter-
ed the employ of Laird, Norton ik Co., to superin-
tend their rafting and logging business, and con-
tinued with them about twelve years, or until 1884,
when he purciiased an outlit and began logging in
his own interest. For six years he carried on bus-
iness along that line. In 1892, in connection with
Otis Abell and C. (i. Corey, he organized what is
known as the Winona Construction C(jm|)any.

This company is extensively engaged in paving,
in laying sewers and in doing general contract
work. The lirst contract taken was for the paving of

some seventy-three thousand yards of the streets of
Winona, and putting in about twenty- -six thousand
feet of curbing. This contract amounted to * 120,-
000, and was completed some two weeks before the
time specified in the agreement. The company also
took a similar contract for work in <^uincy, 111., for
ii;70,000, and the work w.as completed six weeks
before the specified time; a fact which plainly in-
dicates the thoroughness and rapidity with which
the work was carried on. The firm has a high rep-
utation for the excellence of their woik and their
faithfulness to contracts, and the liberal patronage
wiiich they now receive is well deserved.

On the loth of December, 1863, Mr. Braley was
united in marri.age with Miss Marion W. Powell,
of Oshko.sh, Wis., daughter of AVilloughbv and
Zilpha Powell, both of whom were natives of Nova
Scotia, and died in old age. Mr. and Mrs. Braiej-
have three children: William Wallace and .John W.,
who are engaged in railroading on the North-west-
ern Hoad; and Marion Alice, at home.

In 1888 Mr. Braley was nominated and elected
as Sheriff of Winona County for a term of two
yeais, and on the expiration of that period was re-
elected. He had previously served as Deputy
United States INInrshal for four years, and in tlie
discharge of his duties has ever been found fear-
less and true. In politics he is a stanch Kei)ubli-
can. having supported that part^- since attaining
his majority. Socially he is connected with the
Masonic fraternit\', belonging to Winona Lodge
No. 18, A. F. ct A. M.; Chapter No. 5, R. A. M.;
and Cu'ur dc Leon Commandery No. 3, of Wi-
nona. He is also a charter member of Winona
Lodge No. 21, K.of P. Mr. Braley is a broad-gaug-
ed, liberal-minded iind public-spirited man, justly
popular in Winona and his adopted county, where
he has mnny friends, who hold him in the highest
resrard.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. «63

Austin Abell.

'."T^ I'STIN AliKl.l., who \v!i,< uuiiil)erpfl among reiiiaiiU'd for a year, wlien lie riMiidVcd to W'a.x'ca

f — \ the bovs in blue of tlie late war, now de- t'ounly, antJ in 185G entered one hundred and

votes lii.s time and energies to geneial sixty acres of land from the (lovernmcnt. It was

farming on section 3, Wiscoy Township, lie is a a wild .-md unimproved tract, u|)on which not a

native of the Kmpire State, his birth liaving oc- furrow had been turned or an improvement made,

currcd in Oswego County, on the Kith of August. but with characteristic energy he began its de-

1833. The Abell family is of Knglish origin, and velopiiicnt and made his home thereon until 18G4.

was prfibably founded in America in early Colo- In the mean lime .Mr. Abell had married, Miss

nial days. Lemuel .\bell, the father of .Austin, Mar^' A. Small having become his wife on the 16th

was also tiorn in New York. Having attained to of September, 18.58. Their union li.is been blessed

mature years, he was united in marriage with Miss with four children, three sons and .a daughter.

Sallie W . Watson, a lady of Scotch lineage, ami to namely: Ceorge .\., .lanelte, Lemuel A. and I'rban

them were born the following children: Austin, of S. 'I'lic fa!i:ily is luiw widely known in this cmn-

Ihis sketch; Minerva L., widow of Alvin Ford, a muiiily, and is noted for its hospitality, its inem-

resident of Wiscoy Township; Otis, who lives in bers having a wide circle of friends and actpiainl-

Wini>na. and is a contractor for laying pavements; anees.

.\lfrcd. who resides in Winona; and two who died IJetiirning with his f;imily to Winona Countv,

in infancy. .Mr. .\bell rented a farm and <<>ntinued it.s cultiva-

In the usual maniicr of farmer lads the subject tion until IH(!I. when, prompted by patriotic iiii-

of this record «pent the da\s of his boyhood and pulses, he re.-ponded to his country 's call for troops,

youth, lie early became familiar with farm work and enlisted as a private of Company K, Kleventh

in all its departmenUs, for as soon as old enough to Miimesola Infantry, lie was mustered into .serv-

hundle the phuv he U'gan work in tlu' lields, and ice at Ft. Snelling and at once sent to Nashville,

the occupation to which he was reared he has made Tenn., where he wa'* engaged in guarding railroads

his life work. I'or lifteen years he resided in New and property until the close of the war. lie Ifiok

York, and then left the home of his early child- part in no large battles, yet his service was often

hood ffir the West, the f.amily removing to Dodge cpiile arduous. When the war was over he was

County, Wis., where he remained until after he mustered out, in .luly, isi'i.'i, and at once returned

had attained his majority. The year 1H;">.') wit- to his home and family.

nessed his removal from the I5adger .State to .Mr. Abell resumed farming and tradecl his prop-
Minnesota, and saw him located in Winona Coun- erly for a farm of one hundred ami twenty acres
ty. He first settled in Wiscoy Township, where he on section 3, WLscoy Township, where he still re-

KM

PORTRAIT AND HIOOKArillCAL RECORD.

sides. It has been his home continuously since,
.and is :i well developod tract of land, whose rich
fiel(is and good impiovenienls indicate tlic thiift
and enterprise of the owner, and tell of liis careful
supervision. His life has been a 1)US3' and useful
one, devoted to his farming interests. lie takes
no ver3' active part in |nil)lic affairs, yet is always
interested in what pertains to tlie welfare of the

community and its further advancement and up-
building. Me has held the office of .Supervisor, yet
has never been an ollice-seeker. He formerly voted
with the Republican part^', but is now a Prohibi-
tionist, espousing the principles of that organiza-
tion, for it embodies his views on the temperance
question.

--viiilY

f *STOI?, LENOX AND
L ■"LDKN FOUNDATIONS

HON. O. B. GOULD.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

167

-hrin

p^ -- ^ ^:s

I -j^-^ Hon. Ozro B. Qould. -

j\^ ,... .;. .^ ^

"^

Si',

■»^ -g.iS-

$:(e-

iiiS- St&

^

-:—>"

■-i— r

HON. OZHO B. GOULD, lawyer, came to
Winona in the autumn of 1867, and began
practice in .Tanuar}' foliowinff. His legal
sturlies had been pursued in the oHice of Lee A-
Brewer, of Tiflin, Ohio, and at tlie University of
Micliigan, wliere he graduated with the law class
of '67. He was of New England parentage, his
father, Ozro A. Gould, being a native of Rutland
County, V't., from where in early life he emigrated
with the family to Genesee County, N. Y. In that
state the greater part of -hia life was passed, and
there in 1H,'V2 he married Mary A. I'>arnes, daugh-
ter of Klisha Barnes, of Middletown. Conn. In
1837, having purchased a considerable amount of
notes and commercial paper which had been given
to people in Canada, he removed there to look aft-
er his investments. Owing to the disturbed condi-
tion of affairs incident to the panic of that year
and the Canadian rebellion, returns came in slowly
or not at all, and Mr. Gould engaged in other lines
of business to hel|) out, remaining in Iler Majes-
ty's dominions until his death, which occurred at
Toronto, December 15, 1845.

The svibject of this sketch, the only child of his
parents, was born in Canada, April 17, 1H40. Up-
4

on his father's death his mother returned with him
to the States, where she died three 3'ears later, at
Attica, N.Y. In 1849 Ozro was taken by an uncle,
Isaac N. Howe, to live u|jon a farm in Sandusky
County, Ohio. The uncle d^-ing soon after, the
boy at the age of fifteen struck out for himself.
Having no fortune but good liealtli and a strong
constitution, he labored at such employment as he
could find, attending school at od<l limes when
opportunity offered. In 1861 he enlisted as a |)ri-
V ate soldier in Company G, Fifty-fifth Ohio In-
fantry, and served during the war, being discharg-
ed us Captain of the company in .luly, 1865. lie
was wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of
Chancelhusville, Va., May 2, 186:5. Released on
parole, he commanded a division of the I'arole
Camp near Washington during the summer of
1863. .loining his regiment in northern Alabuma
in the fall of that year, he participated in the battles
of IvOokout Mountain and Missionary Ridge under
Grant, and the fullnwing year was in Sherman's
campaign against .Atlanta and on the march to the
sea.

Mr. (touWI was largely instrumental in securing
the establishment of a home for the care of sol-

168

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

diers' orphans, which was located at Winona. He
served as amemberof the State Board by appoint-
ment of the Governor and acted as the local Direc-
tor. In 1880 he was elected to the lower house of
the State Legislature, serving for the regular and
special sessions of 1881. At the special session im-
peachnaent proceedings were begun against one of
the District Judges, and Mr. Gould was selected as
one of the managers on the part of the House. The
trial before the Senate lasted until March, 1882,
and resulted in the removal of the accused of-
ficer.

Mr. Gould takes an active interest in public and
business affairs, having been a promoter and di-
rector in several manufacturing and other corpo-
rations. In politics he has always been an ear-
nest Republican, and in religious matters claims
for himself and allows to otiiers the utmost latitude
of opinion.

In July, 1865, he was married at Ciiicago, 111., to
Miss Mary E. Couse, a graduate of Butler Univer-
sity, Ind., and of the Cook County Normal School,
and teacher in the State Normal School at Winona.
She was a daughter of Andrew Couse, of Wood-

stock, 111. Mrs. Gould died at Winona, April 9,
1892, leaving three children: Ozro C, Mary and
Ralph Fulton.

The following extracts from a recent number of
the St. Paul Pioneer Press in reference to the latest
honor conferred upon Mr. Gould will doubtless be
of interest to his manj- friends:

"Governor Nelson yesterday appointed O. B.
Gould, of Winona, to succeed Chief Justice Start
as Judge of the District Court of the Third Judicial
District. Mr. Gould's appointment is said to be
liighly satisfactory to the Bar of the district. He
is about fifty j'ears of age, and has been a resident
of Winona over twenty years. He has been a
member of the State Legislature, and served in an
Ohio regiment during the Civil War."

"O. B. Gould, of Winona, who was appointed
District Judge yesterday to take Judge Start's
place, will now be glad that he was not nominated
for Clerk of the Supreme Court. Judge Gould is a
loyal Republican worker, who has never received
much from the party, and tiie honor is doubly mer-
ited and doubly acceptable on this account. "

Peter R. Dickson.

PETER R. DICKSON, who is foreman of a
brickyard in Dresbach, a position he has
filled for a quarter of a century, was born
in Lachute, Canada East, May 22, 1845. His par-
ents were William and Christie (Moore) Dickson,
and both were natives of Scotland. The father
during his boyhood crossed the Atlantic to Canada,
where he still resides, at about tlie age of seventy
years. During the greater part of his life he has
engaged in the manufacture of brick, but now car-
ries on farming. His wife died some years since,
passing away at the age of thirty-three.

Peter R. Dickson was a lad of only ten summei'S
at the time of his mother's death. He remained
upon the old home farm until twenty j'ears of
age, and during that time learned the trade of
brick-making, becoming familiar with it in all its
details. In 1865 he removed to Illinois, where he
worked as a farm hand bj' the month for a year.
His residence in Dresbach dates from 1866. Com-
ing to this place, he sought a position in a brick-
yard and was made its foreman, in which capacity
he served for nine j'ears. He subsequently went to
Sioux City, Iowa, and was foreman of a brickyard

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

169

at that place for one j'Car, but on the expiration
of that period he returned to Dresbacb and re-
sumed his former position.

On the 2d of May, 1869, Mr. Dickson was united
in marriage with Miss Minnie Burlce, of Dresbach,
and to them were born ten children, four of wliom
are deceased: William G., at home; Mabel, who is
successfully engaged in teaching school; Roland,
Hollis, Erwin and Arthur, who are still under the
parental roof. The family circle yet remains un-
broken, and the household 'is noted for its hospi-

tality, its members ranking high in the social cir-
cles in which they move.

Mr. Dickson now owns a pleasant home in Dres-
bach. He votes with the Democratic party and
warmly advocates its principles. For two terms
he served as Chairman of the Township Board,
and proved a competent oHScial. He belongs to
the Episcopal Church, and has lived an honorable,
upright life, which has gained for him the confi-
dence and esteem of the entire community. His
faithfulness to his emploj'er's interests is well in-
dicated by his long service.

N. V. A. Crow.

NV. A. CROW, one of the extensive land-
owners of St. Charles, who is now living
a retired life, is a native of Indiana, his
birth having occurred in Orange County, on the
8th of October, 1822. His father, John Crow, was
born in North Carolina, and when a young man
emigrated to the Hoosier State, becoming one of
its pioneers. He there married Polly Millis, who
was also born in North Carolina, and with her par-
ents removed to Indiana. They soon afterward
went to Illinois, and located a mile and a-half from
Geneva, on the Fox River, thirty miles from Chi-
cago. Indians still visited the neighborhood and
caused the settlers considerable trouble. Mrs.
Crow there died, after which Mr. Crow removed
to Linn County, Iowa, settling in what is known
as the "Big Woods."

The subject of this sketch accompanied his par-
ents on their various removals, and was reared to
manhood in Iowa. Having attained to mature
years, he was united in marriage with Miss Eliza
Lane, of Linn County, after which he secured land
and began the cultivation and development of a

new farm. By their union were born four chil-
dren: Sylvester, George, John Wesley and Nelson
Manley. Mr. Crow was married the second time,
in Wisconsin, the lady of his choice being Amanda
Lane, who died May 20, 1886. The children born
of that marriage were: Sophia, who died at the
age of six years; Millis Walter, who for three
years has engaged in merchandising in St. Charles,
where he is doing a successful business; Garrison
Albert, who died of consumption at St. Charles, at
the age of twenty-six years; and Eddie, who died
in Santa Monica, Cal., of typhoid fever when eigh-
teen years of age.

After his first, marriage, Mr. Crow carried on
farming for a few years, and then began working
m the le.ad mines near Hazel Green, Wis., where
he continued for five j^ears. He engaged in pros-
pecting and mining on his own account, but did
not meet with the success he anticipated. In 1850,
attracted by the discovery of gold in California,
he crossed the plains to the Pacific Slope, leaving
home on the 20th of March, and reaching Hang-
town on the 10th of August. He engaged in pros-

170

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

pecting for gold for a month and a-half at that
place, and then went to Nevada, where he remained
until his return to Wisconsin in April, 1852. He
had at first carried on mining beside a stream, but
high water caused him to leave that place, and he
went to Shelby Flats, where he worked in sluice
diggings. Tliis trip proved ia.iv\y successful, and
he returned home with some capital, making the
journey by way of the Isthmus route to New York
City.

Mr. Crow rejoined his family in Grant County,
Wis., and there remained for about three years.
In 1855 he came to Winona County, and located
a claim in Elba Townsliip, five miles north of St.
Charles. He also purchased other claims, and se-
cured from the Government about four hundred
acres of land. Upon this he settled, continuing its
cultivation and improvement until after the break-
ing out of the war, when he bouglit a farm in
Olmsted County, upon which he resided until his

removal to St. Charles, which has now been his
home for eleven years. He still owns the old
home farm of two hundred and forty acres, besides
another tract of the same size, together with his
first farm of four hundred acres, a three hundred
and twenty acre farm in St. Charles Township, and
a small tract of land within the city limits. He
was principally engaged in the raising of wheat,
and in his undertakings he met with prosperity'.
He has also engaged in loaning money, and to a
limited extent has been interested in mercantile
pursuits.

Mr. Crow is a Royal Arch Mason, and in social
and business circles stands high. He has the con-
fidence and regard of the entire community, and
has many warm friends. His home is an elegant
residence, built of brick, and in it he expects to
spend bis declining da3's, resting in the enjo_vment
of the fruits of his former toil. His life has been
both a busy and useful one.

James F. Hennessy.

JAMES F. HENNESSY, the efficient Superin-
tendent of the Winona Wagon Works, was
born in Elgin, III., on the 6th of June, 1849,
and was there reared until twelve years of
age. His father, William Hennessj-, was a con-
tractor and builder. At a very early age the sub-
ject of this sketch went to Chicago, starting out in
life on his own responsibility. He was employed
as an errand boy until thirteen years of age, when
he bccainc a helper in a carriage sliop, his time be-
ing thus passed up to the age of fourteen, when
he took a trip across the |)Iains with a party going
to California. Later in tlie year, however he re-

turned and resumed work at his trade in Chicago,
where he remained for a year. In his sixteenth
year he removed to Dubuque, Iowa, where lie
worked in a wagon shop, and later took up his
residence in Decorah, Iowa, where he made his
home until his eighteenth year. At that time he
located in Rochester, Minn., and worked as a
journeyman until 1871. He had become familiar
with the trade in all its department.* and was rec-
ognized as a thorough and etlicicnt wt)rkman.

In 1871 Mr. Hennessy entered the employ of
Holmes it .Stevens, at Rushford, Minn., who were
the foundei-s of tlie present Winona Wagon Cora-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

171

paiiy. of wliicli lie soon became foreman. This
company was soon consolidated witii the lirni of
Albertson ct Oleson and the style of the Rush ford
Wagon Company was assumed. Mr. Hennessy
became foreman of the new shops, and in Febru-
ary, 1880, came to Winona as foreman of the Wi-
nona Wagon Works. In 1883 he was made Super-
intendent, which position be holds at the present
time.

On the liUh of October, 1876. in the city of
North East, Pa., Mr. Ilennessy was united in mar-
riage with Miss Elsie A. Palmer, and to them have
been born seven children, six of whom are daugh-
ters: Jessie, who is now a student in the high
school; Mabel, Ada, Helen, Kate, Florence and
James. Mr. Hennessy holds membership in the
Masonic fraternity, tiie Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America.

He is also identified with the Baptist Church, and
in pf>lilical views is a Republican.

Much of the success attained b^y the Winona
Wagon Works Company is due to the active and
untiring efforts of Mr. Hennessy. He gives his
entire attention and skilled training to the details
of every department of the business and has a just
pride in the exact division of labor, the lack of
friction and the genei-al growth of this concern.
He has a happy faculty of knowing how^ to handle
men, has a wide acquaintance with the wants of
skilled artisans and ever has in mind their welfare
and advancement. A pleasant and agreeable gen-
tleman, it does him good to show to the stranger
the various departments of the works, and no
more pleasant or instructive hour can be passed
than one spent in his company, as each particular
piece of machinery passes in review.

Martin Schulz.

MARTIN SCHULZ devotes his time and
energies to agricultural pursuits on sec-
tion 10, Fremont Township, where he now
owns and operates eighty-four .icres of good land,
that is under a liigh state of cultivation and well
improved with all the accessories and conven-
iences of a model farm. He claims (Jermany as
the land of his birth, which occurred in the king-
dom of Baden in 1834. His parental. John and
Mary (Dear) .Schulz, were also natives of that
country, and the father followed farming in pur-
suit of fortune. Their family numbered nine

children, of whom liie subject of this sketch is the
youngest.

Martin .Schulz remained upon the home farm
until nineteen ycai-s of .ige, when he determined to
try his fortune beyond the Atlantic, for he had
heard much of the privileges and advantages af-
forded young men in the New World. He sailed
on the good ship " Henry Hudson," and after a
long voyage of forty days, during which they en-
countered some very severe weather, the vessel
dropped anchor in the harbor of New York. The
passenger in whom we are most interested took up

172

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his residence in Elizabethtown, N. J., and began
work at llie carpenter's trade, which he followed in
that place for about six months. He then remov-
ed to Delaware County, N. Y., where he worked at
carpentering for about three years, and in 1856
he sought a home in the West. This was his in-
troduction to Winona County, and he located in
Fremont Township, where he worked at his trade
for a 3'ear. On the expiration of that period he
was obliged to return to New York to act as witness
in a large lawsuit, and he continued carpentering
in the Empire State until 1862, when he again
came West. He then changed his occupation, re-
moving to a farm of forty acres which he had
purchased during his previous stay here.

In February, 1864, Mr. Schulz responded to the
call of his adopted country for troops, and enlist-
ed in the Union army, as a member of Company
D, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, with which he
served until the close of the war, when he was hon-
orably discharged. He participated in the battles

of Nashville, Spanish Fort, and several minor en-
gagements, but was fortunate enough to escape be-
ing wounded or captured. When the war was
over and peace restored, he returned to his farm,
whicli he has since operated.

On the 14tii of February. 1861. Mr. Schulz w«s
united in marriage with Miss Miranda Smith, of
New York, who died in this county in 1887. He
is a Republican in his political views, and served
as Postmaster of the Clyde postofHce for about
thirteen years. He belongs to John C. Fremont
Post No. 181, G. A. R., of Fremont, and holds
membership with the Presbyterian Churoli. He
devotes his energies to general farming and dairy-
ing, and his possessions have come to him as the
reward of earnest effort, perseverance and good
managment. His life has been well and worthily
passed, winning him the respect and confidence of
all with whom he has been brought in contact, and
as a valued citizen and honored pioneer he well
deserves representation in this volume.

Daniel Sinclair.

DANIEL SINCLAIR, Postmaster, and \n\b-
lishcr of the Daily and Weekly Republican
of AVinona, Minn., claims Scotland as the
land of his birth, which occurred in Thurso, on the
12th of January, 1833. His parents, George C.
and Margaret (Johnston) Sinclair, were also na-
tives of Scotland. The paternal grandfather, Don-
ald Sinclair, was a Scotch mercliant, and died at
the advanced age of ninety-two j'ears. His family
numbered eight children. The maternal grandfa-

ther, George Johnston, was born in Scotland, was a
se.i-captain, and was a great traveler. He sailed
numerous vessels to tiie East Indies, and several
times circumnavigated the globe. He belonged to
the Presbyterian Ciiurch, and died in Scotland at
the age of seventy-live.

The father of the subject of this sketch also fol-
lowed nu'rchandising, and, possessed of good busi-
ness ability, met with a fair degree of success in his
undertakings. His death, however, occurred i

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

173

1838, at tlie early age of tliirty-live. His wife
long survived him and in 1><I9 came with iiei- fam-
ily to America, locating first in Meadville, Craw-
ford County, Pa., where they resided for seven
years. Her hust days were sjjent in Rochester,
Minn., where her death occurred in 1888, at the age
of eight3'-four. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair were
members of the Presbyterian Church. In their
family were four children, all of whom are 3'et liv-
ing, namely: George, of Ritzville, Wash.; William,
who is living in Winona; Anna, wife of Hiram W.
Slebbins, a resident of Rochester, Minn.; and Dan-
iel, of this sketch.

Mr. Sinclair, whose name heads this record, was a
youth of sixteen when with his mother and her
family he crossed the briny deep to the New World.
In his seventeenth year he began learning the print-
er's trade, which he has made his life work. In the
spring of 18.56 he came to Winona, where he has
since made his home. After working in the Repub-
lican ollice for about two weeks, he purchased a
half-interest in the paper, becoming a partner of
W. G. D^-e. A stock company was established
when this paper was first published, and business
was carried on under the name of King, Forest,
Dye tii Co. until Mr. Sinclair became a member of
the firm, and the name was changed to D. Sinclair
<t Co. Under this style the business was conduct-
ed for many years, but in 1886 a stock company
WHS again formed, known as the D. Sinclair Pub-
lishing Company. Mr. Sinclair is editor-in-chief,
and is well able to fill that position. He is an able
and ready writer, who labors for the best interests
of the community, and the success which has come
to him is well deserved.

In 185.5 Mr. .Sinclair was united in marriage
with Miss Mclis-sa J. Rriggs, daughter of Isaac and

Lucretia (Field) Briggs. Six children were born
of their union, a son and five daughters, but Ida,
George and Winnefred are now deceased. Clara,
Jessie and Fannie still survive, the first-named
being the wife of William E. Smith, who is busi-
ness manager of the Republican. Mrs. Sinclair is
a member of the Congregational Church, and is a
most estimable lady.

The name of his paper indicates the political af-
filiations of Mr. Sinclair, who has always been a
stanch advocate of Republican principles. He was
made Postmaster under President Grant, on the
16th of May, 1869, and filled that office continu-
ously until the 1st of July, 1885, when a change
of administration led to his vacating the office. On
the 1st of July, 1890, however, he was re-appoint-
ed, and still (August, 1894) fills the position. His
long-continued service well indicates his fidelity
to duty and the confidence and trust reposed in
him 1)3- his fellow-townsmen. The postodice build-
ing was completed in November, 1891, and with
furnishings and heating apparatus cost $182,000.
Mr. Sinclair has witnessed the entire development
of Winona and the surrounding country. He
came here before the first railroad was built, and
in the work of progress and advancement has ever
borne a prominent part.

Although Mr. Sinclair has never been much ad-
dicted to personal activitj' in politics, he was in
1880 a delegate-at-large from Minnesota to the
Republican National Convention at Chicago, and,
as chairman of that delegation, is credited (by
reason of his persistence in keeping the name of
William Windoni before the convention) with hav-
ing largely contributed to the conditions which
resulted in the defeat of Mr. Hlaine and the nom-
ination of James A. Garfield.

174

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Theodore K. Page.

THEODORE K. PAGE, one of the County
Commissioners of Winona County, now
livino; in Wiscoy Township, claims Ver-
mont as the state of his nativity, his birth having
occurred in Orange County, on the 15th of June,
1833. His paternal grandfather, Joseph Page, was
a native of Massachusetts. His parents, William
and Permelia (Chapin) Page, were both born in
the Green Mountain State, and when Theodore
was eleven months old removed to Lorain Coun-
ty, Ohio, from where they emigrated to Wiscon-
sin in 1840, settling in Janesville, Rock County.
The father was a farmer by occupation, and in the
West gave his attention to agricultural pursuits.
In 1847 he removed to Dodge County, where, with
the exception of a few years passed in Nebraska,
he resided until called to the home beyond. His
death occurred at the age of ninety-one. In poli-
tics he was a strong Democrat of the Jackson ian
type.

Theodore Page continued at home with his fath-
er until he had attained his majority and was early
inured to the arduous task of clearing the timber
from a new farm. When he had reached man's
estate he began to work as a farm hand by the day
and month in Dodge County, being thus employed
during the summer season, while in the winter
months he worked in the pineries. The year 1855
witnessed his arrival in Minnesota and during the

succeeding winter he lived in Winona, working
on the river. Afterwards he settled in Freeborn
County, twelve miles northwest of the present site
of Albert Lea, and was the first settler of the
township.

In the summer of 1856, in Steele County, he
was united in marriage with Miss Jane Montgom-
ery, who came of one of the old families of Wis-
consin. Her father, James Montgomery, had be-
come a resident of Wiscoy Township, Winona
County, in 1855, and there spent his remaining
days, dying in 1865. Mr. Page made a claim in
Freeborn County and lived in true pioneer style.
A soda-box was the only sawed lumber in his home.
He opened up a good farm, transforming the raw
land into rich and fertile fields, which he continued
to cultivate until 1864, when he sold out and re-
turned to Winona County. He purchased a farm
in Wiscoy Township, near the home of his father-
in-law, and during the Indian scare in 1862 there
was but one other family remained in this vicinity.
In 1865 Mr. Page bought tlie farm on which his
son now resides, comprising two hundred acres of
good land, a rich and fertile tract, now highly cul-
tivated.

To Mr. and Mrs. Page have been born the fol-
lowing children: James, an engineer and farmer,
now residing near Watertown, S. Dak.; Ida, wife of
Julius Norton, of Pleasant Hill Township; Charles,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

175

who was engineer in the Electric Light Works of
Omaha, Neb., where he died of diphtheria, Marcli
2, 1894; Jennie, wife of Levi Vail, a railroad man
of Wabasha; Orville, a farmer of Iowa; and Wal-
lace, at home.

Mr. Page has always been a Democrat in politics.
In 1886 he was appointed a member of the Board
of County Commissioners to fill a vacancy caused
by the resignation of John Young. This term
lasted one year. In 1892 he was elected a mem-

ber of the Board ou the Democratic ticket, repre-
senting District No. 5, which is composed of the
townships of Richmond, Dresbach, New Hartford,
Pleasant Hill, Wiscoy and Wilson. He received a
majority of sevent^'-four, being elected over James
Finch, of Pleasant Hill, who had served for six
years previous. He is now acting on the Finance
Committee and is proving a capable and trust-
worthy officer. Socially he is a Mason, belonging
to Orient Lodge of Money Creek, Houston County.

Thomas Roberton.

THOMAS ROBERTON is one of the honored
pioneer settlers of Winona County, now
living on section 20, Fremont Township,
where he owns a good farm. The record of his
life is as follows: He was born in Glasgow, Scot-
land, October 15, 1836, and is the third in a fam-
ily of seven children, whose parents were Thomas
and Janet (Reid) Roberton. Two of the number
died in infancy. The others are: Thomas; Eliza-
beth, widow of Duncan Ferguson and a resident of
Fremont Township; John, a prosperous farmer of
the same township; Joseph, deceased; William, who
carried on agricultural pursuits in Fremont Town-
ship; Janet, wife of Thomas Nesbit; and James,
who died at the age of eighteen years.

The parents of this family were both natives of
Scotland, and the father was a farmer by occupa-
tion. In 1841, accompanied by his family, he
crossed the briny deep and located in Canada,
where he made his home until 1857. That year
witnessed his arrival in Winona County. Here

he purchased land in Fremont Township, and upon
the farm which thus came into his possession he
spent his remaining days. His death occurred at
the very advanced age of eighty-three years, and
his wife passed away at the age of fifty-six. He
served as Supervisor of his township in an early
day, and though he lived a quiet and unassuming
life, his sterling worth was recognized and he was
highly respected.

Thomas Roberton was reared under the parental
roof, remaining at home until the age of eighteen
years, when, in the fall of 1855, he came to Winona
County, Minn., pre-empting land in Fremont
Township. He accompanied his parents and their
family in the spring of 1857, and the Robertons
have since been important factors in the upbuild-
ing and development of this community.

The subject of this sketch was married, January
26, 1866, to Miss Agnes Gilmore, who was born
June 5, 1843, in Canada, and is a daughter of
James and Jessie (Crawford) Gilmore. Her par-

176

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ents were natives of Scotland, born near Glasgow,
and are still living in Canada, the father having
reached the age of seventy-six j'ears. In the
family of Mr. and Mrs. Roberton were seven chil-
dren, but Thomas, their flrst-born, was killed at
the age of twenty-seven years by a street car in
Chicago, while attending the World's Fair in the
summer of 1893; Nettie is the wife of George
Randall, a resident farmer of Fremont Township;
Alvin is employed as a bookkeeper in Winona;
Isabel, Frederick J., Frank and Willie are still at
home.

In his political affiliations Mr. Roberton is a
Republican, and has served as School Director of
his district for twenty years, but is in no wise a

politician in the sense of office-seeking. His wife
and children are members of the Presbyterian
Church, and he contributes liberally to its sup-
port, and to other worthy interests calculated to
benefit the community. In his business dealings
he has been successful, and is now the owner of
four hundred and eighty acres of valuable land,
comprising one of the finest farms in Winona
County. His prosperity is certainly well deserved,
being the reward of honest labor. He was one of
the first settlers of the county, and has ever taken
a commendable interest in all that pertains to its
welfare and upbuilding, aiding in its advancement
and promoting its progress.

Reuben E. Maynard, Jr.

REUBEN E. MAYNARD, Jr., has spent
much of his life in AVinona County, and
is now one of her leading farmers and
stock-raisers, carrying on business along that line
on section 6, Saratoga Township. He is a native
of the neighboring state of Wisconsin, his birth
having occurred in Walworth County, near Lake
Geneva, on the 11th of January, 1846. His fa-
ther, Reuben Maynard, was born in Washington
County, N. Y., July 9, 1815, and was of English
descent. Upon a farm he was reared to manhood,
and in the common schools acquired his education.
When he had attained his majority he started out
in life for himself, and began work .as a farm hand
b}' the month. He married Miss Mehitable Henris,
who was born February 21, 1816, and they became

the parents of a family of eight children, a son and
seven daughters, namely: Marcia, who died Sep-
tember 27, 1885; Lestina, who died April 12, 1887;
Selina, who resides on the old homestead; Reuben
E., of this sketch; CelisUi, who died April 27, 1879;
Ella, wife of William Boyd; Hattie, wife of H. A.
Coe, a resident of St. Charles; and one who died
in infancy.

Mr. Maynard, the father of this family, con-
tinued a resident of New York until 1843, when
he resolved to try his fortune in the West. He
made the journey by way of the canal and Lakes
to Walworth County, Wis., and then located near
Lake Geneva, whore he secured from the Govern-
ment a tract of land, pleasantly situated about two
miles from the lake. This he cultivated and im-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

177

proved, and transformed it into a valuable pro|>
erty. It was his home until 1861, when he sold
out, and with ox-teams came to Minnesota, settling
on tlie farm where his. son now resides. He pur-
chased a partially improved farm of one hundred
and sixtj' acres on section G, Saratoga Township,
but only ten acres had been broken, while a log
cabin constituted the only improvement. This is
still standing, one of the landmarks of pioneer
days, which indicates the progress and advance-
ment which the years have brought to Winona
Count}-. Here he continued to spend his remain-
ing days, an honored and highly respected citizen,
who by his steiling (pialilies made many friends.
From a financial standpoint his life was also one of
success, and he left to his family a good property'.
He died on the 18th of March, 1893, and his re-
mains were interred in Saratoga Cemetery.

Reul)en Maynard, Jr., spent the first fifteen years
of his life in the stale of his nativity, and then ac-
companied his parents on their removal to Winona
County. His school privileges were limited, and

he is largely a self-educated man, but by reading,
experience and observation he has become well
informed. Being the onl}' son of the family, he
always remained on the old homestead with his
parents, and from early life aided in the cultiva-
tion of the farm. At the age of twenty-five he
assumed its management. He and his mother to-
gether own three hundred and sixty acres, which
are under a high state of cultivation, and improved
with all modern accessories and conveniences.

On the 1st of Februar}', 1888, Mr. Maynard was
united in marriage with Miss Amanda L. Sheldon,
who died May G, 1889. In his political views Mr.
Maynard is a Republican, and has served as Super-
visor, but has never been an ofFice-seeker. As be-
fore stated, much of his life has here been passed,
and an honorable, upright career has won for him
the high regard of those with whom he has been
brought in contact. The family is one of promi-
nence in the community, and in the history of
their adopted county the Maynards well deserve
mention.

Henry Q. Cox.

HKNRY G. COX, one of the enterprising
and public-spirited citizens of Saratoga
Township, now residing on section 8, was
born in Windsor Cf)unty, Vt., near Barnard, on
the 27th of .September, 1829, and is a son of Orrin
Cox, who was also a native of the same locality.
The Cox family is of P>nglisli origin, and its estab-
lishment in America dates back to 1710, when four
brothers of that name crossed the broad Atlantic
to the New World. Orrin Cox was a millwright

by trade, and followed that business in early life,
but in later years carried on farming. He died in
the Green Mountain State in November, 1857, and
his wife passed away in 188.3. In their family
were seven children: listhcr, now the wife of Ly-
man Cox, a farmer of Saratoga Township, whose
sketch appears elsewhere in this volume; Kdna.
widow of .Samuel Archer, a resident of \'ermonl;
Orrin E., who makes his home in Seattle, Wash.,
where he carries on a ranch, and is also engaged in

178

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tlie real-estate business; Mary J., wife of George
Wiieelock, a retired farmer residing in St. Cliarles,
Minn.; Julia, wife of John Royce, who also lives
in St. Charles; and Emma, wife of Harry liowe,
who is located in Brattleboro, Vt. The parents of
this family are both deceased, but all the children
are yet living.

Upon the farm Henry G. Cox spent the days of
his boyhood and youth. His educational privi-
leges were limited to those afforded by the district
schools of the neighborhood. He remained under
the parental roof until after he had attained his
majority, when, at the age of twenty-two, he left
home and removed to New York. There he was
employed in factories for about four years, or un-
til the spring of 1854, when, attracted by the ad-
vantages he had heard were afforded by the West,
he sought a home in Illinois, locating in Rock Is-
land. Not exactly suited with that locality, after
two months he removed to Indianapolis. Ind., and
secured work in the machine and wagon shops.
Thus his time was passed until 1855, when became
to Minnesota.

On Christmas Day of 1854 Mr. Cox was united
in marriage with Miss Chastina L. Stevens, and to .
them was born one child, Henry S., who is now
proprietor of the Nicollet Hotel of St. Charles.
The wife and mother was called to her final rest
in 1880, and her remains were interred in the Sar-
atoga Cemetery. On the 13th of April, 1883, Mr.
Cox was again married, his second union being
with Mrs. Pollen Reed, who bore the maiden name
of Ellen Aldernean. They have two children,

twins, Harryrowe and Hartcrowe, who were born

July 28, 1884.

In the S]jring of 1856 Mr. Cox removed to the
farm on wliicli he now resides, entering from the
Government one hundred and twenty acres of land
on section 7, Saratoga Township, which he secured
through a land-warrant which he had purchased.
The following year he built thereon the firet frame
house in Saratoga Township, and it is now his
place of residence. For several years after his ar-
rival here he carried on both farming and carpen-
tering. In 1857, in connection with Vincent Hicks,
he built the first sawmill in this part of the ct.unty,
locating at what is now Hampton, and for two or
three years carried on business along that line.
For some time past, however, lie has devt)ted his
entire time and attention to general farming and
stock-raising. All of the buildings upon the place
were erected by him, and stand as monuments to
his thrift and enterprise. He has a well improved
and valuable farm, under a high state of cultiva-
tion, and the well tilled fields yield to him a golden
tribute in return for the care and cultivation be-
stowed upon them.

Mr. Cox has always been a supporter of the Re-
publican party, and warmly advocates its princi-
ples, yet has never sought political preferment for
himself. He is warmly interested in all matters
pertaining to the public welfare, and is recognized
as a valued citizen. He started in life a poor boy,
and is a self-made man, who by his own well di-
rected efforts has risen from an humble position to
one of affluence.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

179

Samuel J, Tomlinson

AMUEL J. TOMLINSON, one of the well
known publishers of southeastern Minne-
sota, and now editor of the Winona Daily
and Weekly Herald and the Weekly News, is a na-
tive of Lapeer, Mich., born on the 18th of Septem-
ber, 1842. His father, Samuel C. Tomlinson, was
a carriage-maker by trade, and emigrated to Mich-
igan more tlian sixty j'ears ago, locating at Detroit,
from where he afterwards removed to Lapeer.
He became one of its pioneer settlers, and engaged
in the saw and grist mill business for a time, but
afterwards embarked in carriage and wagon mak-
ing, whicli he carried on for many years. He con-
tinued to make his home in Lapeer until his death,
wliich occurred in 1884, on his eighty-flfth birth-
day. His wife bore the maiden name of Martha
Walton, and both were natives of Pennsylvania.
She survived her husband one year, and passed
away at the ago of eighty-four. They were mem-
bers of the Methodist Church, and Mr. Tomlinson
WHS a very prominent man in the community in
which he lived. In the family were seven chil-
dren, four sons and three rlaughtcrs, of whom live
are yet living, namely: William, of Luzerne, Mich.;
Mary, wife of I>. K. Waterbury, of Highland
Mich.; Kliznbeth, wife of William (iraliam, of De-
troit; Henry R., who is living in Kansas City, Mo.;
and Samuel ,1., of this sketvh.

The last-named was rcarcil and educated in his
native town, and also attended the university at
Ann Arbor. At the age of thirteen he entered a

printing-office and served a five-years apprentice-
ship to the printing and pul)lishing business, which
he has made his life work. At the age of nineteen
he became the editor of the Clarion of Lapeer, and
continued its publication for about a quarter of a
century with good success, during which time he
became c(uite widely known in journalistic circles
in Michigan. He then purchased a controlling in-
terest in the Detroit Evening Journal, and a year
later sold out and purchased a half-interest in the
Daily Netvs of Klgin, 111., and the Weekly Advocate
I if that place. There he continued for a year and
a-lialf, when he purchased the Morning Tribune and
Evening Press of hay City, Mich., publishing the
two papers at the same time. Subsequently he
purclia.sed the Republican of Charlolle, Mich., but
a year later sold out and btmglit a half-interest in
the Winona Daily Herald and the Weekly News,
his partner being J. II. Johnson.

Ill 1861 was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Tomlinson and Miss Abigail A. fiage, daughter of
Alvali and Kachel H. (Ilungcrford) Gage, natives
of New York, from where they removed to \a-
peer County, Mich. Six children were born to Mr.
and Mrs. Tomlinson, four sons and two daughters,
but two died in infancy. Kvangeline C. is now
the wife of .1. S. McPherson, a resident of Chicago,
by whom she has one daughter, Abigail .lean;
(ieorge Ashley, a vessel-broker of Dulutli. mar-
ried Miss Laura Davidson, of Hay City, Mich.; Ada
Rachel is still with her parents; and Samuel Ar-

180

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

thur is a lawyer, now in the State Law Library of
Lansing, Mich.

Mr. Tomliiison is a Royal Arch Mason, and his
wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. They
have a beautiful lionie property in Lapeer, but
since 1893 have been residents of Winona. In the

publication of his papers Mr. Tomiinson is meet-
ing with good success. His long experience in

newspaper work has made iiim familiar witli the
wants of the public along that line, and the Herald
and News are bright, entertaining sheets, well de-
serving of a liberal patronage.

E. W. Rebstock.

T7> W. REBSTOCK, who is officially con-
I Cy nected with the history of this county, and
is now serving as City Assessor of Winona,
claims Germany as the land of his birth, which oc-
curred in Wurtemberg, on the 22d of October,
1832. He came to this country when seventeen
years of age, crossing the Atlantic in a sailing-ves-
sel in October, 1849, and settled first at Wilhraham,
Hampden County, Mass., where he lived for one
year. In 1850 he removed to New Britain, Conn.,
where he made his home until 1858, working in a
brass foundry. He w.as an expert along that line,
and lie was thus enabled to command good posi-
tions.

On leaving New Britain, Mr. Rebstock sought a
home in the West, and became one of the pioneer
settlers of Winona County, Minn., locating near
Lewiston, on the 19th of April, 1858. Thirty-six
years have passed since his arrival, and he has
therefore witnessed much of the growth and de-
velopment of this region, for it was still quite a
frontier settlement wlien he cast in his lot with its
citizens. Here he turne<l his attention to farming,
which he followed successfully for eighteen years.
His land was always under a high slate of culti-

vation, and the well tilled fields yielded to the
owner a golden tribute, while the many improve-
ments upon his farm indicated to the passer-by the
thrift and enterprise of tiie owner. His life has
been a busy and useful one, and his industry has
brought him a well merited success.

Mr. Rebstock was married in March, 1856, in
New Britain, Conn., to Francisca Bickel, a native
of Germany, but on the 27th of December, 1873, he
was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who
died, leaving five children, namely: Charles, who
is now a resident of T^ier, N. Dak.; Emma, wife
of A. J. Schmidt, of Winona; E. W., a druggist
and Postmaster of Sanborn, Minn.; John, who is
employed by the Bridge Company of Winona;
and Carrie, at home.

Mr. Rebstock is a public-spirited man, always
earnestly interested in the development of his
adopted county. During his long residence in
Utica Township, for several years he held the
office of Town Clerk, was also Supervisor for two
years. Township Assessor for three years, and
served as Justice of the Peace. In all of these
various positions he discharged the duties in a
prompt and able manner, which led to his frequent

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

181

re-election and won him the confidence of all. In
1876 he was elected County Recorder of Deeds,
and in consequence left the farm, removing to
Winona, where he has since made his home. In
January he entered upon the duties of the odice,
and for four years served in that capacity with
credit to himself ajid satisfaction to his constitu-
ents. In 1882, after an interval of two years, he
was re-elected, and served until the spring of 1885,
when he was elected Assessor of the city for one
year. In 188'J he was again elected to that oflice,
and has since served in that capacity.

In 1877 Mr. Rcbstock bought a set of abstract
books of II. W. Jackson, and in 1878 was joined

in business by Mr. Fellows. His office is located
in the court house, and lie has a very complete
set of abstracts and is doing a good business. He
enjo3's the respect and good-will of the entire pub-
lic, this universal confidence having been gained
by his straightforward and honorable methods of
conducting business. For thirty-six years he has
been a resident of Winona County, and therefore
deserves mention among the early settlers. In the
work of progress and development he has_[ever
borne his part, and his aid has never been solicited
in vain in behalf of anj- enterprise calculated to
promote the general welfare.

Mrs. Ann Cecelia Simpson.

MR.S. ANN CECELIA SIMPSON, who re-
sides at No. 2-26 West Wabasha Street,
Winona, was born in Lowell, Mass.. on
the 17lh of March. 18.38, and is a dsiugliler of Ar-
thur and Catherine ( Mellon ) Mcnehan. Hor mother
died when she was a mere child, and her father
afterward married again. At eleven years of age
she entered the family of n maiden aunt in Lowell,
where she remained until her marriage, at the age
of sixteen years, to Verrazeno Simpson. Soon
after the young couple started for Iowa, locating
in Dubuque, where Mr. Simpson engaged in the
dry-poods business until the fall of 1856, when
they came to Winona, bringing with them a daugh-
ter, who was then nine months old. After twenty
years of wedtlcd life, finding it unpleasant to

longer live together, a separation ensued, and on
the advice of Judge Mitchell, her attorney, Mrs.
Simpson secured a divorce. .She built for herself
a pleasant family residence on West Wabasha
Street, where she yet makes her home.

In the family were six children. Elizabeth is
now the wife of E. O. Nevins, of Winona. Hen, who
gr.idiialed at Troy, N. Y., becnme a civil engineer,
and was serving as City Engineer of Winona at
the time of his death, which occurred at the .age
of thirty-one. Ho had married Matlie KcrdolfT,
of Lexington, Mo., and now resides in Ia Crosse,
Wis. Their only living child. X'errazano KerdollT.
nine years old, has lived with Mrs. .Simpson since
the death of his father, when he was three yeai-sof
age. Edith is now the wife of lialph Metcalf, of

182

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Tacoma, Wash. Minnie died in her seventh year.
Frances died at the age of nineteen months. Harry
died at the age of twenty-one months.

Mrs. Simpson has traveled quite extensively
during the last fifteen years, visiting many places
of interest in this country. She deserves much
credit for having reared her family of children.

She lives a quiet, retired life in the pleasant home
which she erected some yeara since, and is sur-
rounded by the best wishes of many warm friends,
who esteem her very highly. She possesses many
excellences of character, and those who know her
have for her a very high regard.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

185

y GUIS SIKORSKI, one of the representative
1 O citizens of Winona, well deserving of rep-
resentation in tlie liistory of his adopted
county, was born in the province of Pommcrn,
Germany, on the 8th of August, 1815, and was tiie'
third in a family of four children, whose parents
were John and Klizabeth (Kloimtek) Sikorski.
The father was a iiotel-keepcr and grocer in his
native land.

After attending the common schools, thesubject
of this sketch entered college in Konitz. Prussia,
where he pursued his studies for seven years, be-
ing then graduated from that institution. He was
educated for the priesthood, but instead of enter-
ing the Catholic ministry, he embarked in business
in the city where he attended college, there mak-
ing his home until 1868. That year witnessed his
emigration to America, and saw him located in
Winona County, Minn. Later he opened n general
merchandise store in Trempealeau, Wis., which he
carried on for eighteen months, when he returned
to Winona, and established here a grocery, which
he conducted for two years alone. On the exi.ira-
tion of that period he admitted a partner into the
business, and their connection continued for about
two years, after which he was alone again for three
years. He then sold out and began clerking in a
dry-goods store, spending his time in that way for
5

four years; but preferring to engage in business
for himself, he formed a partnership and opened a
clothing establishment. After four years he bought
out his partner and was sole proprietor forseve'ral
years.

Mr. Sikorski was married, in 1872, to Josephine
Ranswick, of Trempealeau County, Wis., and they
are now the parents of four children, two sons
and lw<, daughters: Rosie, who is clerking in a
music store; and Tracy, Joseph and Harry, at home.
Mr. Sikorski is a stanch Democrat in his political
views, and in 1878 was elected City Treasurer of
Winona, in which capacity he served for two years.
In 1881 he was elected to represent his district in
the State Legislature, and so ably did he till the
oflicc that he was chosen his own successor. Dur-
ing his first term of service he was a member of the
Standing Committee of the House, and served on
the Committees ..n I nsuraiice. Temperance, Scliools
for Deaf Mutes. Public Parks. Fniversities and
University Lands, hi 1893 he was a member of
the Committees on Public AccounLs and Kxi>endi-
tures, Military Afifairs, Sute Prison and Keform.a-
tory, State Reform Schools, Soldiers' Home and
Geological and Natural History. While thus serv-
ing, the three public buildings above mentioned
were all enlarged. Mr. Sikorski has done good
work in the House. an<I has labored earnestly for

186

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the best interests of the community which he rep-
resents. At both elections lie received the largest
majority of any man on his ticket, as he can con-
trol the Polish vote, which is very strong in the
city of Winona, his fellow-countrymen having
great confidence in him and his fidelity to their in-
terests.

In connection with his other business cares, Mr.
Sikorski is a clerk for the Minneapolis Brewing
Company of Minneapolis. He is a member of the
Catholic Church, belongs to St. .Joseph's Catholic
Society of Winona, to the Polish Legion, and is
widely recognized as one of the most prominent
and iufiuential citizens of Winona County.

Hermon Curtis.

HERMON CURTIS, who is now living a
retired life in Winona, claims Connecti-
cut as the state of his nativity. The place
of his birth was New Hartford, and the date Jan-
uary 4, 1810. His father, P^lizar Cui-tis, was born
in the Nutmeg State, September 11, 1782, and the
grandfather. Job Curtis, was a Connecticut carpen-
ter, who belonged to one of the early families of
that state. Elizar Curtis was very prominent in
church circles, and served as Deacon in Torring-
ford, Conn. He married Am.inda Steele, who was
born in Connecticut, April 17, 1783, and both are
now deceased. Thej- became the parents of eight
ciiildren, who grew to mature 3'ears, but only one
resides at the old home in the East.

The boyhood days of Hermon Curtis were passed
upon his father's farm, where he continued until
twenty-four years of age, when he left the p.arenlal
roof. He was then united in marriage witli Miss
Sophia -Stillman, and started out in life for him-
self with a capital stock of about !?400. He re-
ceived a small amount of land from his father, and
to this he added from time to time until lie owned
two hundred and thirty acres, comprising a rich

and valuable farm, which he cultivated and im-
l)roved until 1871.

After many years of wedded life, his first wife
passed away, in 1851. Two of their children
died in infancy, and one daughter, Eugenia, died
at the age of twenty-two. A son, Hermon, who
came to Winona in 1869, and engaged in the liank-
ing business with L. C. Porter, died in Florida,
March 22, 1878. His wife and two children now
reside in California. Edward V. also emigrated
to Winona, and, opening a grocery, carried on
business along that line until his death, which oc-
curred March 13, 1883. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Mary Wheeler, had previously
passed away, leaving three children: Julius E. and
Benjamin W., who now comprise the firm of Cur-
tis Bros., of Winona; and Helen B., a young lady
of fifteen, now living with her grandfather.

After tiie death of his first wife. Edward F. Cur-
tis married Miss Alice C. Townsend, of Berkshire
County, Mass., who survives him. They iiad one
child, Mary Eugenie, now a maiden of twelve sum-
mers. Edward Curtis iiad been engaged in busi-
ness as a commercial salesman for a boot and siioe

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

187

house of New York, and in the West carried on
merchandising. He was also a Director of the
Board of Trade, and in his political views was a
Republican.

Hermon Curtis was married a second time, in
1852, the lady of his choice being Miss Charlotte
C. Stillman, a cousin of his first wife. She died
March 21, 1887. After his removal to the West
Mr. Curtis engaged in farming for some time, but
made his home in the city. He now lives retired,
having acquired a competency that permits him to
lay aside business cares. He still owns some farm

land, in connection with his home and property in
Winona. In his early life he was a Whig in poli-
ties, but since the organization of the Republican
party has been one of its supporters. For many
years he has been a member of tlie Congregational
Church, and in his earlier years he long served as
Chorister. His life has been well and worthily
passed, and his career has been an honorable and
upright one, which may well serve as an example
to those with whom he is brought in contact. Wi-
nona claims him among her best citizens, and he
well deserves representation in this volume.

Rev. Philip Von Rohr.

I^EV. PHILIP VON ROHR. pastor of St.
■ ^\ Martin's German Lutheran Church of
Winona, and President of the Wisconsin
Synod, is recognized as one of the most prominent
and intlucntial citizens of his adopted county, and
was born on the l.Ttli of February. IHJ.'?,in Huffalo,
N. Y. His father, Rev. Henry N'oii Ruhr, was for-
merly Captain in a regiment which served as body-
guard to the Prussian king. The ancestrj' can be
traced back to II 1 1, and the family has fur-
nished many representatives to the military pro-
fession who have become prominent in army life.
There are still many of the name connected with
the German army.

In 18.S9 the father of Rev. Mr. Von Rdir be-
came the leader of atx)ut one thou.Haiid families
who emigrated to America in three vessels, and
on reaching New York they established six vil-

lages near Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Mr. Von
Rohr later went to Wisconsin, locating fourteen
miles from Jlihvaukee with the intention of fol-
lowing farming;, but soon after leturned to New
York and l)ecame a minister in Bergholtz, Niagara
Count\, where he continued his labors until his
death, which occurred in 1875, at the age of sev-
enty-seven years. He was a leader in the ranks of
the Lutheran ministry and was President of the
Synod of HufTalo for many yeai-s.

Philip Von Uolir, the el(ie:-t in the family of
four children, was reared in west^-rn New York,
and at the age of eleven years he entered the Mar-
tin Luther Seminary of Buffalo, his parents having
decided that he should become a minister. He
carried out their wishes, and in his twenty-first
year was ordained in Buffalo. Ilis lii-st work was
in Toledo, Ohio, where he remained from October,

188

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1863, until May, 1866. In June of the latter year
he came to Winona in response to a call from the
church at this place. The congregation consisted
of nine families, with a membersliip of twent3',and
had been organized for four years, but had had no
minister.

Here Rev. Mr. Von Rolir has remained continu-
ously since. The fiist house of worship in which
he held services was a small frame structure 18x30
feet in dimensions. In the second year after his
arrival this was enlarged, and in 1870 a church
36x80 feet in dimensions was erected. This served
as a place of meeting for fifteen j'ears, when, in
1885, the present substantial edifice was built. It
is 57x133 feet in dimensions, has a seating capac-
ity of eleven hundred, and is valued at 820,000.
It stands on the site of the first church. In 1878,
through the instrumentality of Rev. Mr. Von Rohr,
was erected St. Martin's School, which is 50x60
feet in dimensions and two stories in height. It
is divided into two large schoolrooms, a large as-
sembly hall and society and recitation rooms. The
two ^hundred and fifty pupils are in charge of
three teachers, who instruct the students in all the
common and many of the higher branches and
teach in both the English and German languages.
They are also instructed in the tenets of the church.
The membershii) of St. Martin's Church has in-
creased from nine to four hundred families, num-
bering thirteen hundred and sixty communicants.

Rev. Mr. Von Rohr w.as also the organizer of St.
John's Church, of Wilson Township. He estab-
lished it soon after his arrival^ in Minnesota and
was its pastor for six j^ears. His church is in a
thriving condition, and the various societies con-
nected therewith are in good working order. There
is a ladies' society for general church and missionai y

work, a young ladies' society, and a young men 'a so-
ciety for fostering a love of music and providing a
high cl.ass of entertainments. There is also a mu-
tual benefit association organized for aid in case
of sickness or death, and a life-insurance society,
which was organized under the state laws and has
a membership of seven hundred. All these associ-
ations have been formed through the earnest efforts
of Mr. Von Rohr, who is a most untiring worker
in the interests of anything connected with the
church. Some time since he became connected
with the Wisconsin Synod and for six years has
been its President. By virtue of this position he
h.as charge of the seminaries and colleges of that
state, including the Northwestern University at
Watertown, Wis., which employs eight professors;
a theological school, and the Lutheran Theological
Seminary at Milwaukee, which was erected at a
cost of $60,000. The work of the church in the
synod has been carried on in an extremely success-
ful manner.

On the 1st of February, 1866, Rev. Mr. Von
Rohr was united in marriage with Miss Emma
Scliaal,'of Buffalo, N. Y. To them were born thir-
teen children, eight of whom are now living, Hugo,
Adella, Freda, Edmond, Ada, [Emma, Adolph and
Hedwig. Henry died in June, 1886, in his eigh-
teenth j'ear, while a student at Watertown, Wis.;
and Philip died from accidental scalding. May 7,
1894, when three and a-lialf years of age.

Mr. Von Rohr is a man of fine physique, tall and
well proportioned. In manner he is very genial
and pleasant, and in his composition has a strong
vein of humor. He is broad minded, well read,
and has made friends wherever he has gone among
•all classes of people.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

189

Hoses Stickney.

MOSES STICKNKY is one of the worthy
citizens tiiat Vermont has furnished Wi-
nona Count}-. He resides on section 29,
Warren Township, where he has made his home
since 1855, coverinp^ a period of almost forty con-
secutive years. lie is therefore numbered among
the early settlers of the county, and has been an
eye-witness of the greater part of its growth and
development. Its history is familiar to him from
the early days, and he well deserves mention among
its honored pioneer settlers.

The Stickney family is of Norman-French ex-
traction, and was founded in America in the year
16.37, at which time some of the ancestors of Moses
Stickney landed at Rowley, Mass. His father,
Moses Stickney, Sr., was a native of New Hamp-
shire, and his mother, who bore the maiden name
of Mercy i'efifer, was born in the old Ba}- Stale. By
trade the father was a carpenter and joiner, but in
the latter part of his life he also gave some atten-
tion to farming. His father served as a member
of the Colonial army during the War for Inde-
pendence. In the Stickney family were three chil-
dren, two sons and a daughter.

The subject of this sketch, who is the only sur-
vivor, was born and reared on the old home farm,
the place of his birth being in Windham County,
Vt., and the date March 27, 1815. He became
familiar with all the duties of farm life, for as soon
»s old enough to handle the plow he began work
in the fields. He attended the district schools, to
which he had to walk a distance of a mile and

a-balf, but in this way he obtained a fair business
education. When he reached man's estate he took
charge of the old homestead farm, and cultivated
the fields and improved the place for about fifteen
years.

On the expiration of that period Mr. Stickney
sold out and purchased another farm, upon which
he lived until 1855, when he again sold, prepara-
tory to removing to the West. In the mean time
he had married. On the 2d of February, 1846, he
was joined in wedlock with Miss Cynthia Brown,
and to them were born nine children: Moses A.,
born November 10, 1846; Cynthia E., who was
born October 20, 1848, and died November 16,
1858; Henry, who was born Jul}' C, 1850, and died
in 1871; Marshall E., born January 9, 1852; Charles
D., June 28, 1854; Samuel E., December 14, 1858;
Ida A., April 6, 1860; Clinton A., who was born
November 22, 1864, and died April 12, 1865; and
Raleigh (i., horn October 4, 1866.

Leaving his Vermont home, Mr. Stickney jour-
neyed by way of rail and river toward the set-
ting sun until he had reached Minnesota. Being
pleased with the country and its prospects, he
stopped in Winona County, and soon afterward
made a settlement In Warren Township, pro-empt-
iiig one hundred and sixty acres of land on sec-
tion 29. It was mostly oak openings. His flret
home, a boanl house KixlM feet in dimensions, still
stands, one of the few landmarks of pioneer days
that yet remain. He began breaking prairie with
ox-tenros and with such crude machinery as was in

190

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

use in that day. Winona contained only a few
cabins, and this locality was a frontier settlement,
just opening up to civilization. With its develop-
ment and progress Mr. Stickney has ever been
identified, and has borne his part in the work of
advancement and upbuilding. His labors have
brought to him a comfortable competence, and he
is well situated in life. His farm he sold August
22, 1894, to his son, Samuel E.

On attaining his majority Mr. Stickney joined
the ranks of the Whig party and voted for Will-
iam Henry Harrison. When the Republican party
sprang into existence he went to its support, and
has since voted that ticket. Mr. Stickney has not
gained a national reputation, but in the commu-
nity where he lives he is honored and respected
and lias the high regard of many friends.

Robert Crooks.

ROBERT CROOKS, a retired farmer of St.
Charles, who, having acquired a compe-
tency, is now resting in the enjo\-ment of
the fruits of his former toil, was born in Cooks-
town, County Tyrone, Ireland, on the 16th of No-
vember, 1816. His parents were Robert and Jane
Crooks. The former was a weaver by trade, and
in 1840 he left the Emerald Isle, crossing the At-
lantic to America. For two years he engaged in
mining in Pottsville, Pa., and afterward engaged
in coal-mining in Pittsburg. Subsequently he re-
sumed his westward journey, continuing his travels
until reaching Dubuque, where he engaged in min-
ing lead for three years, being paid for each ton
that he turned out. In the spring of 1853 he left
the mines and sought a home in Minnesota, where
he secured a claim on section 32, Elba Township,
five miles north of St. Ciiarles. This town then
consisted of only two houses, a blacksmith shop
and a hotel. Mr. Crooks purchased his land of the
Government, securing a quarter-section at 11.25
per acre. He immediately built a log cabin and
began to plow and plant. In time his labors were

crowned with success in the shape of abundant
harvests, and for twenty-one years he carried on
the farm, making it one of the rich and highly de-
veloped places of the count}-. To his first pur-
chase he added until his farm now comprises two
hundred and forty acres. He also had another
of two hundred, and one of one hundred acres.
These and other tracts of land he has disposed of,
but still retains possession of the old homestead.
On the 5th of November, 1855, in St. Charles
Township, Mr. Crooks was united in marriage with
Miss Agnes M. Barr, a native of Paisley, Scotland,
born January 25, 1825. She came to the United
States in 1853, and the following year removed to
Winona County in company with her brother,
Thomas Barr, for whom she kept house until her
marriage. She had been previously married, hav-
ing at the age of fifteen become the wife of John
King, who died, leaving her with two children:
Margaret, who is now the wife of Samuel Stcbbins,
of Winona; and Alexander, who carried on farm-
ing in Elba Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Crooks
were born three children, but two are now deceased.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

191

Agnes, born May 22, 1858, died the same year;
Mary Jane, born in 1860, died at the age of ten
years; KlinerE., born in 1862, is now a shoe-dealer
in St. Charles, and the present Mayor of the cit3'.
He is a good business man and is a worthy repre-
sentative of the ollicial and coniiuercial interests
of the town.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Crooks are members of the
Congregational Church, and take quite an active
part in the work of the same. Mrs. Crooks has

been a member for fifteen years of the Society for
the Advancement of Home and Foreign Missions.
In pt>lilics Mr. Crooks is a Republican, and ar-
dently advocates the principles of his party. Dur-
ing the years in which he carried on his farm he
managed his business with such excellent ability
that as a result of his enterprise and industry he
became a well-to-do man. His life has been worth-
ily passed, and is deserving of emulation in many
respects.

Robert J. Duncan.

ROBERT .1. DINCAN. Among the lead-
ing and influential farmera of Rolling
Stone Township is numbered the gentle-
man whose name heads this sketch. He resides on
section 12, where he has eighty acres of land, con-
stituting one of tlie good farms of the county.
There he carries on general farming and the dairy
business, and his place in its neat and thrifty ap-
pearance well indicates the enterprise and careful
supervision of the owner.

Mr. Duncan was born on the 16th of October,
into, and is a son of Noyes and Mary (Hillings)
Duncan. His father, who was a native of Oneida
County, N. Y., there spent his early life and during
Ins youth learned the wagon-maker's trade. Wlien
a young man he removed to Chautauqua, N. Y.,
wliere he carried on wagon-making until 1856, in
which year he emigrated to Minnesota. Arriving
at his destination, he purchaseil a farm in Fremont
Township, Winona County, and was one of ita
representalive citizens up to the time of his death,
which occurred at the age of seventy-live years.
His parents were natives of New England, but the
family is of Scotch descent Mrs. Mary (Billings)

Duncan was also born in Oneida County, N. Y.,
and died in 1842, when Robert was only two years
of age, leaving three children: Mary, now de-
ceased; Harry, who served in the One Hundred and
Twelfth Infantry during the Civil War, and died
in Suffolk, A'a., while in the service; and Robert. I.,
of this sketch. Mrs. Duncan's parents were na-
tives of New England, and her father was a soldier
in the War of 1812. After the death of his first
wife, Noyes Duncan was again married, his second
union being with Amanda Howard, by whom he
had two children, Mary and Mark, the latter a
fanner of this count3-.

In the history of his adopted county Robert J.
Duncan well dcM-rves reproscntation, for he is re-
garded as a leading and intluential citizen, and the
record of his life will prove of interest to his many
friends. He only remained at home until about
twelve years of age, when he began to earn his
own livcliliood by working as a farm hand. Thus
he was employed during the suminer months, while
in the winter season he attended the district schools.
After the breaking out of the late war he respond-
ed to the call for troops, for he believed that every

192

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

patriotic citizen should stand by the Union in her
hour of i)eril and aid in crushing out the rebellion.
Donning tlie blue, he was assigned to Company G
of the Third New York Infantry. He was the first
one to enlist in the town of Stockton, N. Y., and
with the company lie continued until the 19th of
April, 1862, when he was discharged on a sur-
geon's certificate of disability. He afterward re-
enlisted, but his services were not accepted. While
in the army he had suffered from an attack of ty-
phoid fever, and was confined in the Union Hotel
Hospital at Georgetown, D. C, for some time.

After being mustered out, Mr. Duncan returned
to his home in Stockton, N. Y., and learned the
profession of dentistry, which he followed for two
years, but on the expiration of that period he re-
sumed farming, as he did not like office work. In
the spring of 1869 he left his home in the East for
Missouri, and in that state purchased a farm, upon
which he resided for a few months. He then sold

and came to Minnesota, where for about Ave years
he served as Superintendent of tiie County Poor
Farm, discharging the duties of that position in a
prompt and acceptable manner. His next place of
residence was in Winona City, where he remained
for a year. He then rented a farm for two years,
after which he purchased the farm on which he
now resides.

On Independence Day of 1862, shortly after his
return from the scene of war, Mr. Duncan was
joined in wedlock with Miss Mar3' Kelly, of Stock-
ton, N. Y., who died iu March, 1875. He later
married Miss Helen C. Kelly, a sister of his first
wife, and to them iiavc been born two sons. Harry
and Herman. Mr. Duncan is a stanch Republican
in his political views, and east his first vote for
Abraham Lincoln. He may truly be called a self-
made man, for since the age of twelve he has been
dependent on his own resources, and his success is
the reward of earnest eflfort.

Samuel Augustus Johnson.

AMUEL AUGUSTUS JOHNSON, the sen-
ior member of the lirni of S. A. Johnson it
Co., hardware dealers of St. Charles, was
born in Stoughton, Mass., on the 7tii of June, 1826,
and is of English descent. His grandfather, Rob-
ert Johnson, was a native of England, and was a
sea-faring man, being mate of a ship which sailed
across the Atlantic. He was on one of his trips
at the time of his death, and was buried in the
ocean.

Royal Johnson, father of Samuel A., was a na-
tive of Boston, Mass., and engaged in the manu-
facture of shoes. Having arrived at years of ma-

turity, lie married Sarah Winchester, daughter of
Samuel Winchester, who was one of the heroes of
the Revolution, and fought at the battle of Bunker
Hill. He, too, was born in tiie Bay State, and
came of one of the early families of the Massachu-
setts Colony. Royal Johnson spent his last years
in Minnesota witii liis son. He was born in 1800,
and was called to the liome beyond at the age of
seventy-four. His wife passed away in Connecti-
cut when in middle life.

Mr. Johnson, the subject of this sketch, was a
child of seven years when he accompanied liis par-
ents on their removal to Connecticut. Under bis

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

iy3

father's direction he learned the shoe-maker's
trade, serving a regular apprenticeship. He was
employed at Kastford, Conn., and worked as a jour-
neyman four years, then becoming a partner in the
old firm with which he had served liis apprentice-
ship. A branch factory was established at North-
ampton. Mass., and Mr. .lolinson took charge of
the Easlford House, having many men under his
control. In 1855 lie severed his business connec-
tions in the Kast and emigrated westward, bring-
ing with him a capital of about ■?3,000. His des-
tination was Minnesota, and he landed at Winona,
but soon after located a mile and a-half north of
St. Charles, where, under the pre-emption law, he
secured a claim. He located on the land and at
once began to improve the farm. At the time of
his arrival there also came to the county his
brother, George H. Johnson, now of Blooming
Prairie, Wis.; a sister, Mrs. Isaac M. Childs; and
his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, and
their two sons, Loren N. and Uriah L. The latter
resides in Dover Township, and the former died
from the effects of armj- service. He enlisted in
the Union cause during the War of the Rebellion,
was taken sick with fever, lost his eye-sight, and
being unfit for further duty was discharged. A
sister of Mrs. Johnson is now the wife of Isaac M.
Higley, and resides in Chatfield.

On the 1st of .September, 1852, was celebrated
the marriage of Samuel A. Johnson and Miss Mary
C. Carpenter, of Eastford, Conn. To them were
bom six children: Everett C, who is now en-
gaged in business with his father; Richard II., who
is cashier of a bank in Dickinson, N. Dak.; Ella A.,
wife of J. C. Hendec, of St. Charles; Robert A.,
who is a member of his father's firm; Alfred P.,

who is engaged in the hardware business in Gar-
field, Wash.; and Winnie, who died in childhood.

Mr. Johnson was also found among the boys in
blue during the late war. He enlisted in Febru-
ary, 18G1, in Brackett's Minnesota Battalion, and
did service under General Sully in the Northwest,
taking part in the Sioux campaign in Dakota, and
going up the headwaters of the Missouri and on
to Devil's Lake. He participated in the battle of
Killdeer, Mont., about tliirty-five miles northwest
of the present town of Dickinson, where about
three thousand were engaged on each side. He
spent one winter at Ft. Ridgely, and one at Ft.
Randall, on the Missouri, and was discharged in
M.w, 1866, after a service of twoiand a-half years.

Mr. Johnson successfully followed farming from
the time of his marriage until May, 1877, when he
embarked in the hardware business in St. Charles,
with a stock valued at about $2,000. This has
been largely increased to meet the growing demand,
and since his sons have become members of the firm
they have also added a line of agricultural imple-
ments. They arc men of good business ability,
and careful management and close attention to all
details have brought them a well merited success.
Mr. Johnson sold his original farm and purchased
two hundred and forty acres of land nearer St.
Charles, to the further improvement and culti-
vation of which he devotes his energies in con-
nection with his commercial interests. He votes
the Republican ticket, and is in close touch with
his party. He is highly esteemed as a straightfor-
ward, honorable business man, and in the history
of his adopted county well deserves representa-
tion.

192

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

patriotic citizen should stand by tlie Union in lier
hour of peril and aid in crushing out the rebellion.
Donning tlie blue, he was assigned to Company G
of the Third New York Infantry. He was the first
one to enlist in the town of Stockton, N. Y., and
with the company he continued until the 19th of
April, 1862, when he was discharged on a sur-
geon's certificate of disability. He afterward re-
enlisted, but his services were not accepted. While
in the army he had suffered from an attack of ty-
phoid fever, and was confined in the Union Hotel
Hospital at Georgetown, D. C, for some time.

After being mustered out, Mr. Duncan returned
to his home in Stockton, N. Y., and learned the
profession of dentistr}', which he followed for two
years, but on the expiration of that period he re-
sumed farming, as he did not like office work. In
the spring of 1869 he left his home in the East for
Missouri, and in that state purchased a farm, upon
which he resided for a few months. He then sold

and came to Minnesota, where for about five years
he served as Superintendent of the Count}' Poor
Farm, discharging the duties of that position in a
prompt and acceptable manner. His next place of
residence was in Winona City, where he remained
for a year. He then rented a farm for two years,
after which he purchased the farm on which he
now resides.

On Independence Day of 1862, shortly after his
return from the scene of war, Mr. Duncan was
joined in wedlock with Miss Mar}' Kelly, of Stock-
ton, N. Y., who died in March, 1875. He later
married Miss Helen C. Kelly, a sister of his first
wife, and to them have been born two sons, Harry
and Herman. Mr. Duncan is a stanch Republican
in his political views, and cast his first vote for
Abraham Lincoln. He may truly be called a self-
made man, for since the age of twelve he has been
dependent on his own resources, and his success is
the reward of earnest effort.

Samuel Augustus Johnson.

AMUEL AUGUSTUS JOHNSON, the sen-
ior member of the firm of S. A. Johnson <fe
Co., hardware dealers of St. Charles, was
born in Stoughton, Mass., on the 7th of June, 1826,
and is of English descent. His grandfather, Rob-
ert Johnson, was a native of England, and was a
sea-faring man, being mate of a ship which sailed
across the Atlantic. He was on one of his trips
at the time of his death, and was buried in the
ocean.

Royal Johnson, father of Samuel A., was a na-
tive of Boston, Mass., and engaged in the manu-
facture of shoes. Having arrived at years of ma-

turity, he married Sarah Winchester, daughter of
Samuel Winchester, who was one of the heroes of
the Revolution, and fought at the battle of Bunker
Hill. He, too, was born in the Bay State, and
came of one of the early families of the Massachu-
setts Colony. Royal Johnson spent his last years
in Minnesota with his son. He was born in 1800,
and was called to the home beyond at the age of
seventy-four. His wife passed awaj- in Connecti-
cut when in middle life.

Mr. Johnson, the subject of this sketch, was a
child of seven years when he accompanied his par-
ents on their i-emoval to Connecticut. Under his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

193

father's direction he learned the shoe-maker's
trade, serving a regular apprenticeship. He was
emplo3"ed at Eastford, Conn., and worked as a jour-
neyman four years, then becoming a partner in the
old firm with which he had served his apprentice-
ship. A branch factory was established at North-
ampton, Mass., and Mr. .Johnson took charge of
the Eastford House, having many men under his
control. In 1855 he severed his business connec-
tions in the East and emigrated westward, bring-
ing with him a capital of about |!3,000. His des-
tination was Minnesota, and he landed at Winona,
but soon after located a mile and a-half north of
St. Charles, where, under the pre-emption law, he
secured a claim. He located on the land and at
once began to improve the farm. At the time of
his arrival there also came to the county his
brother, George H. Johnson, now of Blooming
Prairie, Wis.; a sister, Mrs. Isaac M. Childs; and
his wife's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter, and
their two sons, Loren N. and Uriah L. The latter
resides in Dover Township, and the former died
from the effects of army service. He enlisted in
the Union cause during the War of the Rebellion,
was taken sick with fever, lost his eye-sight, and
being unfit for further duty was discharged. A
sister of Mrs. Johnson is now the wife of Isaac M.
Higley, and resides in Chatfield.

On the 1st of September, 1852, was celebrated
the marriage of Samuel A. Johnson and Miss Mary
C. Carpenter, of Eastford, Conn. To them were
born six children: Everett C, who is now en-
gaged in business with his father; Richard H.,who
is cashier of a bank in Dickinson, N. Dak.; Ella A.,
wife of J. C. Hendee, of St. Charles; Robert A.,
who is a member of his father's firm; Alfred P.,

who is engaged in the hardware business in Gar-
field, Wash.; and Winnie, who died in childhood.

Mr. Johnson was also found among the boys in
blue during the late war. He enlisted in Febru-
ary, 1864, in Brackett's Minnesota Battalion, and
did service under General Sully in the Northwest,
taking part in the Sioux campaign in Dakota, and
going up the headwaters of the Missouri and on
to Devil's Lake. He participated in the battle of
Killdeer, Mont., about thirty-five miles northwest
of the present town of Dickinson, where about
three thousand were engaged on each side. He
spent one winter at Ft. Ridgely, and one at Ft.
Randall, on the Missouri, and was discharged in
May, 1866, after a service of two and a-half years.

Mr. Johnson successfully followed farming from
the time of his marriage until May, 1877, when he
embarked in the hardware business in St. Charles,
with a stock valued at about 12,000. This has
been largely increased to meet the growing demand,
and since his sons have become members of the firm
they have also added a line of agricultural imple-
ments. They are men of good business ability,
and careful management and close attention to all
details have brought them a well merited success.
Mr. Johnson sold his original farm and purchased
two hundred and forty acres of land nearer St.
Charles, to the further improvement and culti-
vation of which he devotes his energies in con-
nection with his commercial interests. He votes
the Republican ticket, and is in close touch with
his party. He is highly esteemed as a straightfor-
ward, honorable business man, and in the history
of his adopted county well deserves representa-
tion.

194

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

John R. Qile.

JOHN R. GILE, who is now living a retired
life at No. 653 East Third Street, Winona, was
born in Addison, Steuben Count}', N. Y., on
the 16th of April, 1829, and is a son of John
F. and Fanetta (Butler) Gile. The father was born
in Hartford, Conn., and at an early day removed
to Addison. His wife was a native of Philadel-
phia, Pa. John R. spent the days of his childhood
and youth in the East, and when twenty years of
age accompanied his parents on their removal to
Waukegan, 111., the journe}' being made by way
of the Lakes. They remained in Waukegan only
a short time, when, on account of the ague, they
removed to the present site of Baraboo, Wis., al-
though the town Lad not then sprung into exist-
ence. The parents settled permanently on a tim-
ber claim on Cedar Creek, seven miles from Bara-
boo, in 1849, and there continued until 1853, when
they came to Winona County. The father secured
a claim seven miles southwest of Winona, and three
miles west of Witoka, at Gile's Corners, at the head
of Burns Valley, and in 1854 began to build a
home. He was one of the first settlers in that lo-
cality. He assisted in blazing the road to La
Crosse, and was connected with many events con-
cerning the early history and development of the
county. There he improved a good farm, upon
which he made his home until his death, which oc-
curred in 1873, at the age of sixty-nine years. He
was in a runaway and thereby sustained an injury,
a log badly hurting his side. A week afterward
he was caught in a storm, and died a few hours
later, on the 24th of December. He had improved
a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, and

on the old stage road he kept a hotel, his hostelry
being a very popular place with the traveling pub-
lic. For many years he held the office of Postmaster
at Wayland, and was recognized as one of the lead-
ing citizens of the community. His wife survived
him about one year.

After the family came to Minnesota, John R.
Gile was engaged in running a mill in Wisconsin,
but during the high water of June, 1855, he lost
nearly all his property there, it being washed
away. This caused him to seek a home in Winona
County, and secured for this locality one of its
best citizens. He obtained a farm near his father's,
and for ten years successfully carried on agricult-
ural pursuits, placing his land under a high state
of cultivation. He then sold out and came to
Winona.

Ere leaving Wisconsin, Mr. Gile married in
Baraboo, on the 12th of June, 1855, Miss Sarah
Jane Howard, a lad}' of French ancestry, who lost
her parents during her early childhood, and was
reared by her grandfather. Ten children have
been born of this union, eight of whom are yet
living, namely: Charles A., the efficient City Treas-
urer of Winona; Mary A., wife of W. E. Smith,
railway agent for the North-western Railroad in
Volga, S. Dak.; Joseph Llewellyn, a farmer of Hart
Township; John D., also an agriculturist; Minnie,
wife of M. M. Ostrom, of Winona; James B., who
is living in Winona; Andrew J., who is in the em-
ploy of the Winona Lumber Company; and George
W., at home. Eldula and Emma both died in
childhood.

On coming to Winona, Mr. Gile came into the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

195

possession of the Winona Democrat, which was
then owned by A. J. Reed, to whom he had loaned
money for the establishment of the paper. He
afterward admitted to partnership J.J. Green, and
later other changes were made in the ownership of
the paper. The business steadily increased, and a
joint-stock company was organized. The paper
was invoiced for $9,000, but this move proved an
unprofitable one, and Mr. Gile lost all he had in-
vested in the venture. The paper was sold at a
receiver's sale in 1868, Mr. Gile being the pur-
chaser, but later he disposed of it. For some time
he was engaged in the commission business as a
member of the firm of R. A. Foster & Co., and to
this work his energies were devoted until 1872,

when he returned to the farm. From time to time
he sold off portions of his farm, and in 1892 dis-
posed of the remainder. He also carried on mer-
chandising at Wilson, and was Postmaster of that
place for four years. Since 1860 he has been a
member of the Masonic fraternity. He has taken
an active interest in political affairs, being a stanch
supporter of the Democracy, and has labored ear-
nestly in its interests. He has been an active mem-
ber of the central committees, and has served as
Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, and as Jus-
tice of the Peace. He is devoted to his adopted
count}', doing all in his power for its advancement
and welfare, and as a loyal and valued citizen de-
serves mention in this volume.

Thomas Adams Peirce, M. D.

THOMAS ADAMS PEIRCE, M.D.,a homeo-
pathic physician, successfully engaged in
practice in Winona, was born in Batli,Me.,
December 20, 1829, and is a son of Thomas A. and
Arabella (Sloane) Peirce, also natives of tlie Pine
Tree State, the former born in 1800, and tlie latter
in 1804. The paternal grandfather, Daniel Peirce,
was also a native of Maine, and of English descent.
He made farming his life occupation, had a family
of four children, and died at the age of seventy
years. The maternal grandfather, Samuel Sloane,
was born in Massachusetts and was a ship-builder.
He belonged to the Congregational Church, and
died in Maine at the age of eighty-two. The
Doctor's father was a sea captain, and died in Da-
rien, Ga., in 1830. His wife survived him until
1891, passing away at the age of eighty -seven.

He was a member of the Methodist Church, while
she belonged to the Presbyterian Church. In their
familj' were three children, but Samuel and Ara-
bella are now deceased.

The Doctor was reared in his native city, and
acquired his literary education in Litchfield Acad-
emy, of Litchfield, Me. In his seventeenth year
he took up the study of medicine and surgery, and
afterwards entered the Pennsylvania Medical Col-
lege of Philadelphia, there pursuing his studies
from 1846 until 1850. He was graduated from
the Homeopathic Medical College in 1850, and the
same year began practicing in Norristown, Pa.,
where he remained until the fall of 1854, when he
removed to Wilkes Barre, Pa., where he continued
the prosecution of his profession until 1858. In
that year he emigrated westward, and after a short

198

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

who is living in Whitewater, Wis.; Edward F., of
Hampton, Franklin County, Iowa; and Peter H.,
of this sketch.

The last-named spent the days of his boyhood
under the parental roof, and in his early life car-
ried on both merchandising and farming in New
York. He there continued to make his home un-
til after he had attained his majority. He was a
child of six j'ears when the family removed to
Cayuga County, settling near Oswego, N. Y. The
year 1852 witnessed his arrival in Wisconsin, he
being the first of the familj' to* become a resident of
that state. He afterwards returned to New York,
where he remained until the fall of 18,55, when,
with his father and mother, he again went to Wis-
consin, his parents making a permanent location
there.

P. H. Williams carried on various lines of busi-
ness until 1863, when he came to Minnesota, lo-
cating in Saratoga Township, Winona Count}-,
seven miles south of St. Charles, there becoming
owner of the farm which he yet owns. For two
j-ears he carried on a hotel at Tro}', on the old
stage road, but when the railroad was built his
business was destroyed. He then turned his at-
tention to agricultural pursuits, operating his farm
with excellent success from 1866 until September,
1885, when he came to St. Charles. His farm
comprised one hundred and sixty acres, but he
added to this from time to time, and at length
his landed possessions comprised ten hundred and
sixty acres, which were divided into three farms of
three hundred and twcnl}', three hundred and sixt}'
and three hundred and eighty acres, respectively
All are devoted to the raising of grain and are
well watered. Mr. Williams engaged in the culti-
vation of wheat crops, and thereby' accumulated a
handsome competency'. He is now engaged in the
real-estate business, handling town property.

At Ft. Atkinson, on the 14th of September,
1858, Mr. Williams married Miss Maggie Byron,
who was born August 25, 1837, in Cazenovia,
Chenango County, N. Y., and is a daughter of
Thomas and Mary (Clark) Byron. Her father died
when she was quite young, and when she was ten
years of age her mother removed with the family
to Twin Rivers, Wis. From the age of fifteen
until her marriage she resided in West Troy and
in Jefferson, Wis. Her mother, who reared a fam-
il\- of eight children, died in Scott Count}-, Minn.,
September 1, 1868. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams
have been born the following children: Flora, who
was formerl}- a successful teacher of Winona
County, and is now the wife of P. F. Haj-nes, a
real-estate dealer of Chicago; Annie, the wife of
George D. French, of St. Charles; Mary, the wife
of Henry Cox, of the Nicollet Hotel, of St. Charles;
Nettie, at home; Charlie A., who was graduated
from the Wisconsin University at Madison, and
is now an attorney-at-law of Chicago; John R.,
who was graduated from the Illinois University of
Chicago, and is now Clerk of the Court under
Judge Brentano, of Chicago; Bertie, who died in
his sixth 3ear; Elmer, who died at the age of two
years; and Johnnie, who died in infancy.

Mr. Williams votes with the Democratic party.
He served as Alderman for four years, and on
three different occasions has served as Mayor of
St. Charles, in which offices he was found true to
his duties. His wife belongs to the Episcopal
Church. Mr. Williams has lead a bus}' and useful
life and his success has come to him as the reward
of earnest labor and good management. He is
recognized as one of the most progressive and
prominent citizens of St. Charles, and in the his-
tory of his adopted county well deserves represen-
tation.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

199

Nathaniel Cavis Qault.

NATHANIEL CAVIS GAULT is the senior
member of the firm of Gaulttt Co., manu-
facturers of the Schonnmaker Lightning
Cable, and is a prominent business man, who labors
earnestly for the best interests of Winona. He
was born near Concord, N. II., June 30, 1822, and
is a son of Obed and Mary (Cavis) Gault, the
former of Scotch descent, and the latter of Welsh
lineage. The paternal grandfather emigrated from
Scotland to New Hampshire in early Colonial days.
N. C. Gault was reared on the home farm, and
at the age of twenty-eight married Miss Martha E.
Blood, of Lowell, Mass. He devoted his attention
to agricultural pursuits until April, 18.56, when he
emigrated to the West, becoming a resident of Wi-
nona. Here, in connection with Moses fiordon, he
opened a hardware store, which they carried on
until the failing health of Mr. Gordon compelled
them to close out their business, in 18G3. He had
a commission from Governor Miller to enroll re-
cruits for the army for Companies K and I, of
the Eleventh Minnesota Infantry, and he himself
joined the former company. On reaching Ft.
Snelling he received word to call upon Governor
Miller, who said to him, "You are ttio old to carry a
musket or act on guard duly, so I will appoint you
t^uartermastcr of the Eleventh Regiment," hand-
ing him a commis-Nion. In later life he learned that
William Windham and .Judge Thomas Wilson had
been instrumental in securing for him this ap-
pointment. Mr. f Jaull then went to the front with

his regiment, and served as Quartermaster until
after the close of the war.

When the country uo longer needed his serv-
ices, Mr. Gault was mustered out, and after spend-
ing one year in Alabama he returned to Winona,
where he engaged in the manufacture of brick.
He was a])pointed to the Internal Revenue service,
with which he was connected for some years, and
was Oil Inspector for the county for four years.
From 1875 until 1881 he was connected with no
business enterprise, but on the 28th of June of the
latter year he established the manufactoiy of
which he is now the head. The}- manufacture the
Schonnmaker Lightning Cable, which is formed of
a galvanized steel wire, overlaid with copper tubes,
in;i(le from sheet copper and twisted into a contin-
uous llexible cable; tlic^- also manufacture copper
wire cables. The business has constantly increased,
until it has assumed extensive i)r(>portions, and be-
come one of the leading industries of Winona. The
factory is 20x70 feet, and has a capacity of aliout
five thousand feet of cable per day. They manu-
facture cables in two sizes, of from two hundred
and filty to five hundred feet in length, and also
manufacture gold and silver plated points, ar-
rows and vuncs, as well as the necessary standards.
The manufacture is exclusively for wholesale trade,
and they sell direct to the salesmen.

When seventeen years of age, Mr. Gault united
with the Baptist Church in his native town. In
the fall preceding his arrival in Winona the first

200

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Baptist Church was organized in this place, and he
assisted in raising tlie funds for the building of the
house of worship. He has served as Deacon dur-
ing ills entire existence, and has been one of its
most prominent members. He aided in organizing
the first Sunday-school, and has been a leader in
Sunda}--school circles. His wife also shares with
him in the good work, and is likewise prominent

in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
Mr. Gault was active in organizing the Old Set-
tlers' Society, and feels a commendable interest in
everything that tends to perpetuate the early his-
tory of his adopted county. He possesses the con-
fidence of his fellow-townsmen in an unusual de-
gree, for he has lived an honorable, upright life,
well deserving the respect of all.

THE NEW YOUK
PtJSLiC LIBUKY

I

nUKI, T. DAVIS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

203

+++++++++++++++++

P l4^^->tl9^,A

JL^

±±±** ++++++*++•!•++

Buel Turner Davis.

++++++++++++++++*-

+ *+•{•+ *+++++++ ++++

BVVA. TI'RNER DAVIS is the efficient Su-
periiiteudent of tiie public schools of Wi-
nona, and is recofjnized as one of the able
educators of the state, having a reputation for
skill and ability in the line of his profession which
mii^ht well be envied by a teacher of many more
years' experience. Professor Davis was born in
Decatur, Macon County, 111., July 31, 1852, and is
a son of Hon. .John Davis, who comes of an old
family of Macon County, III., and is a Member of
Congress from the Fifth District of Kansas, elected
on the Populist ticket. He was also a member of
the Fifty-second Congress, and received the unan-
imous nomination for the Fifty-fourth Ccmgrcss.
His wife bore the maiden name of Martha Powell.
She was born in Wol vorhamplf)n, Kngland, and is
a sister of Maj. .1. W. Powell, who is in charge of
the Ktlinologicnl Bureau at Wa.shington, D. C,
and Prof. W. H. Powell, Superintendent of the
public scIkmjIs of the Capitol Cily and of the en-
tire District of Columbia. The Davis family came
6

from Kentucky, and the grandfather of Professor
Davis was a warm personal friend of Lincoln.

Huel Turner Davis was named for two friends
of his father, .Ies.se liuel, a noted author, and Pro-
fessor Turner, of Illinois College, where .John
Davis was educated. The gentleman whose name
heads this record w.as reared upon a farm near De-
catur, and began his education in the district
-schools. He spent three years in the Decatur High
School, and during the summer months ))ui-sued
.some special studies at home. At the age of eight-
een he went to Kansas to improve a section of
land which had been purchased by his father, and
spent two years in developing and cultivating the
farm. During this time he taught two short terms
of country .school, aiwl also attemled the Stfltc
Agricultural College of MaiiliatUin during the
greater part of two years. His father having ar-
rived t<> tjike charge of the farm, Huel T. entered
upon a course at the .State Normal .School in Km-
poria, Kan., after which he returned to Illinois

204

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and made his home with his uncle, W. B. Powell,
in Auioia. lie was graduated from the high school
in that place, and was in the normal department
of the public schools, receiving the didactical de-
gree in 1876. lie next returned to Kansas and
completed the course in the State Normal, receiv-
ing therefrom a life diploma, which gives him the
privilege of teaching at any time in that stale with-
out further examination.

After spending the summer of 187G at the Cen-
tennial in Philadelphia, IMr. Davis was elected
Principal of the graded public schools in Chetopa,
Kan., and with three assistant teachers had charge
of two hundred pupils, giving great satisf.action,
as was shown by the complimentary notices in the
papers of that place. The Advance said of him:
'•He is a man of very superior qualifications, and
was an efficient and popular Principal. He is one
of the best and most thorougli educators in the
state of Kansas, and his experience and aliility as a
Principal and Superintendent eminently fit and
qualify him for any position jiertaining to educa-
tional matters."

Mr. Davis for four and a-half years was Super-
intendent of the public schools of Emporia, and
had twenty teachers under his direction. During
this time public sentiment greatly changed, owing
largely to his influence, and the small school build-
ings in the city were replaced by structures of
which the town may well be proud, and great prog-
ress was made in the schools. While at Emporia,
Mr. Davis was chosen by the Hoard of Regents to
organize the training department in the State Nor-
mal, and for some months held the double posi-
tion of Superintendent of the public schools and
Principal of the training department, drawing
double salary. The training de|)artment was raised
to a liigh standard under the management of Mr.
Davis. On closing his labors in the public schools,
he devoted the following four years to the normal.
He at once organized a preparatory and model
school, embracing classes from the primary through
the grammar grades, and in Ai)ril, 1882, employed
an instructor in kindergarten methods. This fea-
ture of the school soon became very popular.

After eight years spent in Emporia Professor
Davis became proprietor of the Tril/une,ix paper at

Winfield, Kan. He had been a member of the
firm of John Davis & Sons, proprietors of the
Junction City 7V«6ttne, although engaged in teach-
ing at the time. He had also estabiislied the Little
Hatchet, a school paper, which afterward became
The Educationalist, and later The Western School
Journal, and which is now an important factor in
education, published at Topeka, Kan. He estab-
lished the Winfield Tribunein 1884, and continued
its publication until the fall of 1886, when he re-
sumed school work. That year he went to Che-
topa, and in 1887 to Anthony, where he served as
Principal two j'ears. In 1889 he was made Super-
intendent of the schools in Atchison, where he
continued two years, and in 1891 entered upon the
work at Winona. He had visited the National
Association at St. Paul, became interested in Min-
nesota, and soon after was elected Superintendent
of the schools of this cit}'. Eighty teachers are
employed under his supervision, of which eighty
per cent, are normal graduates and rank as able in-
structors. There are eight good brick school build-
ings in this city, which are supplied with all modern
improvements, and in which there are three thou-
sand pupils enrolled. Mr. Davis found the schools
in good condition, and has steadily raised their
standard of excellence. One important feature is
that he has so arranged the grading that a pupil
may advance if qualified, and not be held back
by delinquent students. He has also introduced
changes which enable the principals to give more
time to grading and advancing pu|)ils; a kinder-
garten S3'stem has been introduced, and tiie school
age has been placed at five instead of six yeai-s.
Great attention is paid to the selection of primary
teachers, as Mr. Davis believes that a right start
greatly determines the future success of a pupil.
An assistant teacher serves one year witlithe prim-
ary teacher, and is then placed in an intermediate
grade.

Mr. Davis was married in lt*82 to Miss Emma
Waite, of Oregon, III., a lady highly esteemed for
her womanly traits of character. .She had for-
merly been a teacher in lvan>as. To them have
been born five children: Huel, John Jay, Mildred,
.Merlon and Josophine.

Mr. Davis is a member of the Masonic fraternity,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

205

and of the Congregational Church, in which he has
been an actiye worker. He is a member of the
Teachers' Association, and during the summer of
18'j4 lie iieaded a party of twenty-two teachers
who went on a pleasure trip to Asbury Park. He
is connected with the state summer schools, and
has conducted one nearly every year since 1876.

He has done much satisfactory work in this line.
The course of study in Winona he has thoroughly
revised upon the idea of unity of thought and ex-
pression. The iiighest regard of those witti whom
he is brought in contact is ever given him, and on
his arrival in Minnesota the schools of the state
received an important acquisition.

George Washington Clark,

©EORGE WASHINGTON CLARK, who is
now living retired in Winona, is one of the
honored pioneers of the county, and was
the Brst settler on Wabasha Prairie, on the present
site of the city. With the growth and develop-
ment of this region he has since been prominently
identified, and with its history his name is insep-
arably connected. He was l>orn <ni the lOlh of
•lunc, 1827, in Copenhagen, Lewis Count}-, N. Y.
His father, Orrin Clark, was a soldier in the War of
1812, and took part in the battle of .Sacket's Har-
bor. After his death, which occurred in New
York in 1848, he was granted a land-warrant in
recognition of his services. This was located in
18.").5 by his son, (icorgc W., in whose possession it
yet remains.

The Clark family is of .Scotch-Irish origin.
Some of the ancestors removed from Argylcsliire,
'Scotland, at the time of the great confiscation, and
t<^>ok up their residence in Ireland. .lolin Clark
was iKirii on the Kinerald Isle in lG;')."i.and in IG'.r.i
w.as married. In 1717 he came to America and
took up his residence in Hutlan<l, Mas.'*., and about
173« removed to Colerain, from where he went to

Hampshire County. His children were: Matthew,
Thomas .lolin, William Samuel, .Tames George,
Sarah and Elizabeth, all born in Ireland. Matthew
married .lanel Hothel, and became a resident of
.Massachusetts at the same time !is his father.
Ilis children were: .lane, .lohn Alexander, Agnes,
William, llannali and Elizabeth, all born in Rut-
land, and .lames, Margaret, .Sarah and Matthew,
natives of C(jlerain. .lames Clark, of this famil}-,
w.is a child of seven years at the time of his fa-
ther's death. He became a Captain in the French
and Indian War, serving from 17.J4 until 1763,
and commanded a garrison at Ft. Stein way, near
Home, N. Y. He retained his rank in the Revolu-
tion, and was stationed !it New London, Conn.,
guarding the spoils of war captured from Burgoyne
at .Saratoga. His death occurred in Chester. Mass.,
in IrtOO. His children were: .lohn .Scott. Royal,
Silas, David, .lames, Orrin and Betsy.

.lohn .Scott Clark, the gi:in(lfalher of Winona's
pioneer, was the lij-st white male eliild born in
Chester, Miiss., the date being 17t>2. He entered
the Colonial army for service in the Kevolution
at the age of fifteen, and was with his father at

206

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

New London, Conn. In 1790 he married Selah
Anderson, and they became the parents of the
following children: Orrin, Ascnatii, Electa, John
and Lm-inda. In 1804 they removed to Copen-
hagen, X. Y., where the grandfatiier died, JMarcli
1, 1850, in his eighty-eighth year. In religious
belief he was a Baptist and a leading member of
the cluircli. His wife passed away .June 23, 1888.
Orrin Clark, father of George W., married Rebec-
ca White Templeton, of Worcester Count}', Mass.,
and their children were: Electa, Betsy, .Sarah,
Rebecca, Orrin, Nathan, Wayne, George W. and
John Scott. The father of this family died in
Copenhagen, January 13, 1840, in the fort3--ninth
year of his age, and his wife was called to the home
beyond September 23, 1855, at the age of sixty-
eight. Their son Wayne came to Winona in
1852, and lived with the subject of this sketch for
one season, after which he returned to Copenhagen,
where he still makes his home. He is a prominent
man, especially in educational matters, and for
fourteen years served as County Superintendent.
Another brother, Orrin, came to Winona Count}'
in 1854, and purchased a farm of Allen Gilmore,
one of tlie original "six bachelors." This farm ad-
joined the claim of our subject, and thereon Orrin
made his home until his death, which occurred
Februar}' 10, 1894. He married Miss Cornelia
Cottrell, and their only surviving child is Julia
A. Clark. John Scott Clark came to Winona in
1852, and died in the summer of 1854, when twen-
ty-four 3'ears of age. He was buried in what is
now Woodlawn Cemetery, but this was six years
before the cemetery was established, and his was
the only interment up to 1860.

Upon the old home farm, George W. Clark was
reared, and the common schools afforded him his
early educational privileges, which were supple-
mented by two terms' attendance at Lowville
Academy. In the spring of 1851 he bade adieu
to home and friends, having resolved to try his
fortune on the broad prairies of the West. He
went from Saeket's Harbor to Lewiston, N. Y.,
thence by rail to Buffalo, by steamer to Detroit,
and (itially reached Milwaukee. By team he con-
tinued his journey to Dodge County, Wis., where
he visited relatives until the 5th of October, when.

in company with three young men, he started
across the country, reaching La Crosse at the time
when its second frame building was in process of.
construction.

Four weeks later, with Silas Stevens and Edwin
Hamilton, Mr. Clark started up the river for Wa-
basha Prairie, the present site of Winona. On the
13th of November, at half-past one in the morn-
ing, they landed on the western bank of the Mis-
sissipi)i, near the present site of the big Qouring-
niill. Mr. Johnson, who ten days before had
reached this place, was asleep in his cabin a mile
down the river, and the}- spent the remainder of
the night with him. When day broke, they went
to the extreme east end of the prairie, drove a stake
as a starting point, and began locating claims.
The following spring John Evans reached Winona
County. There were now six bachelors at this
place, and each agreed to hold one claim for him-
self and an extra one for six months. The mem-
bers of the party were, Edwin Hamilton, Allen
Gilmore, George Wallace, Ervin Johnson, Caleb
Nash and George Clark. The last-named secured
a claim for himself and one for his brother. John
Evans settled on one of those claims, and when
persuaded to abandon that one immediately
removed to the other. During the winter of
1851-52 Mr. Clark lived on the Stevens claim, but
in the spring built a log shantj' on his own claim,
and has since thereon resided. After about four
years he erected a two-story frame dwelling, 22x25
feet, and has since made it his home, although he
h.as greatl}' enlarged it and improved it in the
mean time. To the original farm of one hundred
and sixty acres he has added from time to time
until he now has nearly half a section. The first
tract is embraced in the Evans Addition to Wino-
na. Some trouble was experienced by land-jum|}-
ers. Mr. Biimmcll tried to jump a claim held by
Mr. Johnson, and in company with Harry Hcrrick
destroyed the cabin. The fii-st woman to locate
peimanantly in Winona County was Mrs. Augusta
I'entler, who located here in March, 1852. The
same spring a drove of cattle from Missouri was
taken to Winona County for the Indians further
north. Mr. Clark and his tw(» brothers bought two
cows and decided to make some cheese, for Ihey were

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

207

from New York, where obeese-making was and is one
of the chief industries. The question of coagula-
tion was an important one, and one of the bi'Oliiers,
being somewhat of a cliemist, shot a meadow hirk
and used its stomacli to rcake rennet. With this
the curd was made and in course of time tlie Clark
brotliers had the first cheese manufactured in Wi
nona County. The}" also made liulter, which was
much in demand at gatherings where ladies were
e.Kpectcd to be present.

On the lltii of February, 1857, G. W.Clark was
united in nianiage with Miss Jennie A. Lockwood
of Waupun, Wis., whose birth occurred Decem-
ber 4, 18H7. By their marriage were born seven
children: Frank W., born .January 4, 1858; Adah
L., .January 27, 1860; .J.ay Scott, November 4, 1862;

Florence E., July 28, 1868; Alfred H., March 26,
1870; Jennie A., January 25, 1874; and May, Sep-
tember 13, 1878.

When Winona was incorporated, Mr. Clark's
property was included within the city limits, but
the following year was set off by act of Legisla-
ture. He is the only resident of the township who
owns the land on which he originally located, and
yet makes his home thereon. He went through all
the experiences of pioneer life and foi' many years
devoted his time and attention first to opening
up and then to develoijiug and cultivating his
farm. He has labored for the best interests of the
community, and is an honored pioneer, who is held
in high esteem by both young and old, rich and
poor.

Benjamin J. Loucks.

BI':NJA>nN J. LorCKS is one of the more
recent arrivals in Winona tVnintj', but is
recognized as one of the leading citizens
of Wiscoy Township. His home is on section 11,
where he follows farming. A native f»f New York,
he was born in Herkimer County, on the 15th of
April. lM;iH,an(l is a son of Peter and Dolly (I'efrie)
Loncks. Their family numbered four children,
three sons and a daughter: Klias. Margaret, I?en-
janiin anci Reuben.

The thinl-nientioned spent the days of his boy-
hood and youth in the usual manner of fanner
lads, anil was early inured to Ihe arduous t.isk of
deyeloping the land. His schfml privileges were
very limited, his educntion Iwing mostly acquir-

ed through exiierience, observation and reading.
These, however, have proved toliiin practical teach-
ers. At the early age of eleven yeare he began to
earn his own livelihood, and has since been de-
pendent upon his own rest)urees. He may there-
fore truly be called a self-made man, for he is de-
serving all the credit which tliat term implies.

In IH61 Mr. Loucks w:is found among the de-
fen dei-s of the Inion. In .April of that year he
joined the boys in blue and w.xs assigne<l to Com-
pany K, Thirty-fourth New York Infantry. The
first engagement in which he participated was the
long and hotly-contested Battle of the WihJerness.
He also took an active part in the siege of York-
town, where he was under fire for thirteen days.

208

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

From there he was sent to the hospital, where he
remained for two months, unfit for service. Later
he participated in the battles of Antielani and
Fredericksburg, being for the lime assigned to
Sedgwick's corps, and on the 30th of .Tune, 1863,
was mustered out.

Mr. Loucks then returned to New York, where
he remained until 1888, when he came to Winona
County, Minu., and here has since made his home.
Soon after his return from the war he was married

to Miss Mary E. .Simmons, the ceremony being
celebrated on the 23d of August, 1863. Their
union has been blessed with one child, Norman H.,
a resident farmer of Wiscoy Township.

Mr. Loucks is comfortably situated in life, hav-
ing by well directed efforts in business and by
thrift and enterprise acquired a competence. In
polities he is a supporter of the Republican party,
and socially he is connected with the Grand Army
of the Republic.

Fred H. Pickles.

FRED H. PICKLES, City Engineer of Wi-
nona, although young in years and com-
paratively a new addition to the popula-
tion of this city, has nevertheless left, in tlie
permanent city improvements made under his ad-
ministration, an indestructible monument to his
energy and executive ability. He was born in
Nova Scotia, November 5, 1864, and is the son of
Rev. F. II. W. Pickles, a Methodist minister of St.
John, New Brunswick, and Harriett (Ricketson)
Pickles. His paternal grandfather, Michael Pickles,
a native of Keithley, Yorkshire, England, arrived
in America in 1826. and settled in New Brunswick,
where he was united in marriage with Fann}' Wil-
son, who came of an old Baltimore (Md.) familj'.
The maternal grandmother of our subject was a
resident of New York during Revolutionary daj^s,
and witnessed many of the stirring scenes of tliat
early period in I'niled .States history.

Fred H. Pickles graduated at the University of
Mt. Allison, New Brunswick, in 1888, and before
coming to the United States occupied the positions

of Assistant Engineer of the New Brunswick .Shore
Line Railroad, Assistant City Engineer of .St. John
for two years, and was also in the employ of .Tames
D. Leary, of New York City, in the construction
of deep-water docks, grain elevators, and other en-
gineering works at St. John. After arriving in
the United States, he accepted the position of resi-
dent engineer of the bridge crossing the Missis-
sippi River at Lyons, Iowa, where he remained un-
til the completion of the bridge. Under the emploj'
of C. F. Loweth, of St. Paul, a member of the
American Society of Civil Engineers, he was em-
ployed in various water-works, sewerage and other
engineering constructions. Mr. Pickles came to
Winona in May, 18112, whither his reputation for
close application and careful work had already
preceded him, and one week after his arrival was
elected to the oflice of City Engineer. His fii-st
important work here was assisting in the com-
pletion of the high bridge across the Mississippi
River, and in the city pumping plant. Since Mr.
Pickles has occupied the position of City Engineer,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

209

there have hecn some f<70.000 expended l)y the
city for sewers. He has designed and superin-
tended the laying of the l)rick pavement'; of tiie
city, and tlie brici< engine liouse in the First Ward
was also constructed after designs made by him.

Mr. Pickles h.is produced (mainly from notes
taken in the field), and now has on file in the City
Engineer's Ollice, the first and only .iccurate rec-
ords ever possessed hy the city of matters belong-
ing to his department of the public service. He
has found time amidst his multitudinous oflicial

duties to design for neighboring towns, the elec-
Iric-li^lit plant at Rochester, Minn., and tiie water
works at Rolling Stone, Minn., and at Galesville,
Wis., being some of his work.

.January 13, 18!(1, Mr. Pickles was united in
marriage with Miss Mary Elliott, daughter of Ed-
ward and Elizabeth Elliott, of St. John, New
Brunswick. They attend the Congregational
Church, of which Mrs. Pickles is a member. Mr.
Pickles is not a politician, and would be consid-
ered an independent.

Francis McCormick Cockrell.

FRAN'CIS M.CORMICK COCKRELL, who
for many jears was engaged in the hotel
business in Winona, and was one of the
most popular landlords of southern Minnesota, is
now living retired, enjoying a well earned rest.
A native of Kentucky, he was born in Bourbon
County-, on the 2Htli of Eebruary, 1814. His grand-
father. Peter B. Cockrell, was one of the heroes of
the Revolution. RiMnoving to Missouri, he settled
in Cooper County, where he spent his remaining
days, dying at an advanced age. The family was
early founded in .lefTcrson Cotinty, Va. His son,
John CfK'krell, became the father of our subject.
He married a lady who came from n prominent
Virginia family, and his last days were pa-^sed in
bis Kentucky home at Maysville. Five children
were born to them, but only two arc now living.
F. M. Cockrell when a lx>y was thrown upon
his own resources, and the success which he has

achieved in life is due entirely to his own efforts.
He therefore deserves great credit, for he has
worked his wa}' upward from an humble position
to one of affluence. He entered upon his business
career as a clerk in a store in Maysville, Ky. He
afterward engaged in the same business in Cin-
cinnati, whence he came to Winona in 18,56. Here
he became proprietor of the Huff House, which was
built by H. D. Huff in 185.5, and on the .5th of
June was opened to the public by Willis Ar Haw-
thorne. Not U>ng after Mr. Willis sold out his
interest to Messrs. Cockrell and Williams, and busi-
ness was conducted under the firm name of Cock-
rell A" Co. until 1861, when Mr. Hawthorne sold
out and the name of Cockrell A: Williams was as-
sumed. For thirty-five yeai-s the Huff House was
the lending hotel of Win«)na, and one of the most
popular inns of southeastern AHnnesota. K. I).
Williams, Mr. Cockrell's partner, was a native of

210

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Maine, and an enterprising and progressive citi-
zen. Me continued liis connection witii tlie hotel
until 1872, when he was instantly killed by the
explosion of gas in an old gas generator. He was
at the head of the first gas works built in Winona,
and was largely interested in many of the leading
enterprises of the cil^'.

On the death of his partner, Mr. Cockrell became
sole owner and proprietor of the Huff House, and
there carried on business until 1888, when it was
replaced by the Winona Hotel. Since that time
he has lived retired. He is a pioneer landlord of
the Northwest, and for 3-ears did a most successful
business. His constantly increasing patronage led
him to enlarge his hotel, and brought to him a
handsome competence, which now enables him to
live retired.

In 1842 Mr. Cockrell was married, but in 1845

lost his wife. In his political views in early life
he was a Wliig, and on the dissolution of that
party joined the Democracy, which he yet sup-
ports. He has been actively interested in the wel-
fare of Winona, and has done much for the ad-
vancement of those enterprises which are calculated
to promote the general welfare. He has for some
time been a member of the Board of Trade, a
stockholder in the Winona Oas Light Company,
and for more than half a century has been a Mas-
ter Mason. He is a very popular gentleman, and
his familiar figure is seen upon tiie streets every
da}'. The distance is indeed short that he can go
without being accosted bj' an acquaintance. He
has man}- warm friends who hold him in the
highest regard, and their confidence and esteem are
well merited by this worthy gentleman, who is
numbered among Winona's pioneers.

Charles A. Qile.

eHARLES A. CtILE, tiie efficient and popu-
lar Cit}- Treasurer of Winona, and a mem-
ber of the insurance and real-estate firm of
Smith, I'osz & Gile, has tlie honor of being a na-
tive of Minnesota. He was born at Mone}' Creek,
in Houston County, November 27, 1857, and is tlie
eldest in a family o^ eiglit cliildrcn, six sons and
two daughters, who graced the union of .loiin H.
and Jane (Howard) Gile. A sketch of the fatiier
appears elsewhere in tliis work. He was born in
Addison, Steuben County, N. Y., April 1!>, 182^,
and is a son of John F. Gile, a native of Provi-

dence, R. I., born in 1805. In early life the grand-
father removed to Hoboken, N. J., and for many
j'ears was engaged in logging and rafting on the
Susquehanna River. For a long time he made liis
home in Addison, Steuben County, N. Y., and
there all his children were born. Later in life he
removed to Wisconsin, and about 1853 came to
Minnesota, locating in Wilson, Winona County.
For yeare his was the only house between La Crosse
and Cliatfield, and the old log cabin w.as used as a
tavern and poskdiice. He was recognized ,as a
prominent man among the early settlers of Wi-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

211

iiona County, where his death occurred in 1872,
at the ane of sixty-eiglit years.

John R. Gile, the fatlier of our subject, was a
youth of about twenty wlien, with tlie family. \\ff
became a resident of Baraboo. Wis. There lie
lived for several years. He first came to Winona
in 1850, and a year later made a settlement in Wil-
son Township. His education was acquired in his
native state, and in early life he tiiugiit school for
several years. After coming to Minnesota he was
editor and publisher of the Winona Daily and
Weekly Democrat f(jr some time — the largest news-
paper enterprise at that period in the southern part
of the state. Subsequently lie engaged in the
grain and fruit commission business in tlie cit}-,
but afterward was overtaken by reverses, and then
removed to his farm in Wilson Township, where
he remained some twenty years. He lived the
quiet life of an agriculturist. About 1891 he came
to the city where he is now living retired. For
some time he was recognized as one of the leaders
of the Democratic party in Winona, and has ever
been a stanch supporter of its principles. His wife,
who has been to him a faithful companion and
helpmate on life's journey, is also living. She is a
daughter of James Howard, who was born in Can-
ada, and was of French descent.

In the (lile family were eight children: Charles
A., of this sketch; Joseph L., who is living on a
farm in Wiscoy Townsiiip; Marj- A., wife of T.
F,. Smith, of Volga, S. Dak.; John D., a member of
the Fire Department of Winona; James B., who
is yet in school; Andrew J., wiio is employed in
the Kmpire Mill; (ieorge W., at home; and Min-
nie, wife of M. Ostrom, of Winona.

The history of Charles A. (lile, the well known
City Treasurer of Winona, will undoubtedly prove
of interest to many readers of this volume, for he
has a wide acquaintance throughout the county.
At the age of twelve he began working on the
farm, and during the winter season, when crojjs
were harvested and the labor of tlie farm was prac-
tically over, he attended the district schools. His

studious habits and aptitude for learning soon
made him master of all the common branches, and
at the age of sixteen he began teaching, a pio-
fession which he followed for seventeen terms in
Winona County. During the summer months he
would engage in farm labor, and during the au-
tumn return to the schoolroom, being thus em-
ployed until twenty-one ^-ears of age.

On attaining his majority-, Mr. Gile was united
in marriage with !Miss Ida E. Evans, of Winona,
daughter of Royal B. and Mary (Parks) Evans,
who were natives of Ohio, and came to this state
at an early da}-, being numbered among the pio-
neer settlers of the county. Four children graced
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Gile: Florence Irene,
Ray J., Bessie May and Mary Jane.

About the time of his marriage, Mr. Gile en-
tered the employ of Yeumans Bros. & Hodgins
to scale lumber, and continued with that firm for
two summers, after which he engaged with the
Winona Lumber Company as Superintendent of
the manuf.acluring and scaling department. There
he remained seven summer seasons, teaching school
winters, when he bought out the local fire-insur-
ance business of II. P. Hubbell, who is now State
Agent of the Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance
Company. This was in 1888, and he carried on
business for a year. On the 1st of November,
1889, he formed a partnership with II. G. Smith
and Henry Posz, and has since been engaged in
the insurance and real-estate business, under the
firm name of Smith, Posz it Gile. This is the lead-
ing firm in the city in their line of business.

In [)olitics Mr. (iile has always been an earnest
and consistent Democrat. For two terms of two
years each he served as School Director. In 1893
he was elected City Treasurer for a term of two
3ears, and is now filling that position with credit
to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He
is an active member of several of the secret and
benevolent societies of the city, and is one of the
wide-awake and representative young business men
of Winona.

212

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

C. C. Beck.

r^Y C. BECK is one of the leading wholesale
V^y and retail merchants in Winona, and is a
prominent business man, who has risen to
his present position from humble circumstances.
His success in life is the reward of earnest effort,
and his example should serve to encourage others
who, like himself, liave to start out to make their
own way in the world empty handed.

A native of German}', Mr. Beck was born in
Goeppingen, Wurtemberg, on the 11th of .January,
1831, and is the fifth in order of birth in :i fam-
ily of seven children. His grandfather, a native
of the same country, carried on the business of d^-e-
ing cloth. His father was born in Goeppingen,
and was extensively engaged in dyeing wool and
linen goods for many years. He won success in
his business, becoming quite well-to-do. He came
of a family noted for longevity, and his death oc-
curred at the advanced age of ninety-two. His
wife, who was born in the same locality as her hus-
band, died when the subject of tliis sketch was
about live years of age.

C. C. Beck remained at home until the age of
fifteen, when he began to learn tlie brewing trade,
which he followed for about two years. He then
went to Augsburg, Bavaria, where he was emploj'ed
in a brewery for six months, after which he went
on foot to Mainz, Baden, a distance of four hun-
dred miles. On reaching his destination besought
and obtained employment in a brewery, where he
continued for six months. His iie.xt place of resi-
dence was in Stuttgart, and there he worked at his

trade for two j-ears, when, on account of failing
health, he was obliged to return home. During the
two succeeding years of his life he superintended
his father's fruit farm, and in August, 1857, he
started for America, taking passage on a sailing-
vessel, which, after a voyage of seven weeks, drop-
ped anchor in the harbor of New York City in
September.

For two months Mr. Beck visited with friends,
and then came to the West, locating first in Du-
buque, Iowa, where he had a brother living, en-
gaged in the brewing business. For six months
he worked with his brother, and then sought a
home in Prairie du C'hien, AVis., where he was em-
ployed in a brewery until the 11th of November,
1858. On that dale he arrived in Winona, Minn.,
and soon after purchased a half-interest in the Gil-
more Valley Brewery, which he carried on in i>art-
ncrship with others for three year^, when he be-
came sole proprietor. He then successfully carried
on the business alone until 1878. when his plant
was destroyed b^' lire, and he tliereb}' suffered a
loss of about Ii20,000. When this misfortune over-
took him he turned his attention to farming, and
began o|)eraling the land which he had purchased
ill KSG2. For some yeai-s he then carried on agri-
cultural piirsiiit.-i, hut at length turned his atten-
tion to merchandising, and in 1«87 embarked in
the wholesale and retail hardware business. For
four years he had a partner, whose interest he
bought out on the expiration of that period, .since
which time he has been alouc. He built a three-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

213

story brick store, 40x130 feet in dimensions, at a
cost of %r2,(»00. and lias it well stocked with a fine
line of shelf and heavy hardware, which he sells to
the wholesale and retail trade. He has built up a
good business and is now at the head of one of the
leading commercial concerns of Winona.

On questions of national importance Mr. Beck
votes with the Democracy, but at local elections is
not strictly partisan. For many j-ears he served

as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors of Wi-
nona Township, and proved a capable and eflicient
officer. Socially he is a member of Humboldt Lodge,
I. O. O. V. He now owns a farm of one hundred
and eighty-seven acres adjoining the city, and in
addition to this valuable and desirable jiroperty
has a beautiful residence, one of the finest in the
county, which was erected at a cost of $10,000.

Esbon Skinkle.

T7> S150N SKINKLE, deceased, was a well
I C\ known and honored member of the farm-
ing community of Wiscoy Township, with
whose interests he was closely identified from i)io-
neer times until death removed a valued citizen,
and one who had done much to promote its up-
building. He was born in Wayne County', N. Y.,
May 20, lH:ii, and waa the son of Henry Skinkle.
For many years fobon lived in his native place,
and then accompanied his father to McHenry
County, III., where he lived until attaining man's
estate. He had received a fairly good education
111 the inferior schools of that period and locality,
and "hen eighteen years old began to make his
own way in the world. His laboi's were as a farm
hand, for which he received a very insignificant
sum of money. In 18,55 he thought to Ix-lter his
condition financially, and coming to thi.s county
began to work for Loren Thomas, remaining in
his employ the greater portion of the time until
his enlistment as a private in the ranks of the
Lniou army. He was mustered in as a meinlwr of

Company- K, Eleventh Minnesota Infantry. Au-
gust 27, 18C1, and until the day of his discharge,
June 20 of the following year, did guard diitv at
N.ashville. in the state of Tennessee.

On the establishment of pejice, Mr. Skinkle re-
turned to Winona County and moved upon a tract
of (iovernment land, which included eighty .acres
on section II, Wiscoy Township, for which he
paid $1.25 per acre. He had purchased this claim
in 1857, but did not live upon it or begin the
work of its cultivation until his return from the
war. It w.as thicklj' covered with timber in some
portions, and in clearing this away he sjieiil man^'
weeks of arduous toil. The soil richly repaid him
for his hard labors, and until the day of his death
our subject reaped handsome returns. His attention
was given to general farming, and in this industry
he was classed among the most progressive and
wide-awake men in his c<immiinity.

K'*bon Skinkle was married. September 17, 1X65,
to Miss Klizalieth Casler. a native of the Empire
Mate. There her birth occurred February 23, 1845.

214

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Her parents were Richard and Dorothy Casler,
worthy residents of Herkimer County. To our sub-
ject and his wife there were born two clulilreii:
Fruiili, who died at the age of eight years; and
Myrtle, now the wife of Norman Louclis, a well-to-
do farmer of this township. Mrs. Loucit's children
are Benjamin, Avis Elizabeth and Harry Ra}'
mond.

Mr. Skinkle always took an active interest in
the success of the Republican party, with whicli
he voted for many years. He was Chairman of
the Board of Supervisors in his township, and in
various ways aided in promoting the welfare of
his community. He was active in the discharge of

Ids duties as School Director, and whether filling
oflice or not did what he could to further the
cause of education. He was prominent in Mason-
ic circles, and as a Grand Army man was very in-
Uuential in Witoka Post. In his death, which
occurred April 16, 1891, VViscoy Township lost
one of its best citizens. Tiie fine property which
he left stands as a monument to the energy which
he ])ut fortii in liie labors of life and the good
judgment whicli characterized his efforts, wiiile his
high standing among his fellow-men was an equal-
ly' satisfactory proof of his worth as a neighbor
and a citizen.

Charles Knopp.

eHARLES KNOPP is a well known farmer
and fruit-grower of this county. He resides
on section 30, Winona Township, where
he owns an interest in three hundred acres of fine
land. This is now a rich and valuable tract, owing
to the high state of cultivation under which it has
been placed and to the many improvements made
thereon. In appearance it is neat and thrifty;
everything is kept in first-class order and indicates
the careful supervision of the owners.

Mr. Knopp is a native of the neighboring state
of Wisconsin. His birth occurred on tiie 8th of
April, 1850, he being the eldest in a family born
to Micliael Knopp, whose biography appears else-
where in this work. The Knopps are of German
extraction. The father was born in Nassau, Ger-
many, and came to America when twenty-three

years of age. He made no settlement in the East,
but came at once to the Mississippi Valle3', and
settled on a farm in Wisconsin. There he ran a
flouring-mill near Green Bay for about two yeai-s,
after which he came to Minnesota, in 1864, and
purchased land. He makes his home in the city
of Wincma, but is engaged in farming and fruit-
growing. Although seventy-eight years of age, he
is an active old man, and personally superintends
his business interests. All who know him esteem
him highly, for he is a man of sterling worth, pos-
sessed of many excellences of character. His wife,
who was also born in Nassau, (Tcrmany, is yet liv-
ing, at the age of sixty-seven.

Charles Knopp has resided in Winona County
during the years of his manhood, for he was a lad
of only fourteen years when the family came to

PORTRAIT AND lUOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

215

Minnesota. He had previously resided in the
Badger State, and in its common schools began his
education, which was completed in tiic schools of
this community. Upon the old home farm he be-
came familiar with agricultural pursuits and fruit-
growing, which business was to become his life
work, and he labored with his faliier until about
thirty-three years of age. He then joined his
brother .Joseph and engaged in farming three
hundred acres of land, the farm which is described
above. To its further cultivation and develop-
ment he has since devoted his energies, and his la-
bors have brought him a comfortable competence.
On the 2d of February, 1882, Mr. Knopp was
united in marriage with Miss Amelia Roehning, a
native of Germany. Their family now numbers
five children, Samuel, Paul, Walter, Martha Mary
and Elsie Elizabeth, and the circle is yet un-
broken by the hand of death.

In his social relations Mr. Knopp is connected
with Friendship Lodge No. 98, A. O. U. W., and
Oak Grove Lodge No. 15, Order of Druids, both
of Winona. He exorcises his right of franchise in
support of the Democracy, and is a stalwart advo-
cate of the principles of that party. His fellow-
townsmen have attested their confidence in his
ability by calling him to public oflice, and their
trust has never been betrayed. He has served as
Chairman of the Hoard of Supervisors for two
terms, has filled the ollice of Town Clerk, and is
now serving as Constable of Winona Town>hip.
Tlic duties of tiiese odices he has discharged with
promptness and fidelity, thereby winning the com-
mendation of all concerned. Mr. Knopp has long
resided in this county, and those who have known
him from boyhood are numbered among his warm-
est friends, for they have witnessed his honorable,
upright life.

Rev. Nicholas Schmitz.

1^ KV. NICHOLAS .SCHMITZ, of Rolling
• ~^ Stone, was lx)rn on the 12th of January,
IH.tI;, in the village of Neidenbach, Ger-
many, and with his parents came to the United
States in November, 1868, when a lad of twelve
years. He crossed the Atlantic to New York, and
thence came direct to Minnesota, settling in Hamp-
ton Township, Dakota County. He remained with
his parents upon the farm until 1H72, when he be-
gan his studies for the ministry. After continu-
uing his studies for some years he was ordained, on
the 20th of .July, 18H2, by Rt.-Rev. R. Seidenbusch,
in St. .John's University, Stearns County, Minn.
Kev. Mr. Schmitz celebrated his first mass on the

30th of .luly, 1882, at New Trier, Dakota County.
His first field of labor included all the territory
west of fUcncoc Mcl.cod County, and extended
to Milbank, taking in all the stations on the Hast-
ings & Dakota branch of the Chicago it Milwau-
kee Railroad. After nearly two yeai-s of serv-
ice in this held he was called by his Ordinary to
Adams, Mower County, Minn. At that place he
was greatly beloved by his |>eoplc and his work
proved very succe.s.sful. In the village of Adams,
through his instninientality, was erected the first
Catholic church and pastoral dwelling at that place,
and when thr luiildings were completed there w.as
not a cent owing on either. At Rose Creek, a

216

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

railroad station on the Iowa <fe Minnesota Rail-
road, he also built the first church, a structure
40x80 feet. In ISSH) lie was called by Bishop Cot-
ter to iiis present mission at Rolling Stone, wiiere
he has worlied with great success, enlarging his
field of usefulness here and greatl}' adding to the

church in numbers. There is now a fine church and
good school under the direction of tlie Franciscan
Sisters of Milwaukee. In connection with liis work
at Roiling Stone, Rev. Mr. Schmitz also lias charge
of the Oali Ridge Mission, and the one at Elba.

Isaac W. Timmons, M. D.

ISAAC W. TIMMONS, M. D., one of the lead-
ing homeopathic physicians of Winona, and a
worthy representative of the medical profes-
sion in this county, claims Ohio as the state of his
nativity, for his birth occurred in Ross County, on
the 11th of October, 1833. He is the youngest in
a familj' of five children born to Thomas and p]liz-
abeth (Draper) Timmons. Tlie former was a n.i-
tivc of Maryland, and upon a farm in that state
remained until lie had attained his majority, when
lie married Miss Draper. The lady, who was born
in Delaware, was of English extraction, and died at
tlie early age of thirty-eight. In 1817 Mr. Tim-
mons removed to Ross County, Oiiio, where he en-
gaged in farming and stock-raising. He was one
of the pioneers of that county, was recognized as
one of its leading citizens, and from 1826 until
1850 he dealt extensively in horses and mules.
At the time of the War of 1812 he was only a boy,
but he hauled supplies to the soldiers. In his busi-
ness he was very successful, and, overcoming the
difficulties in his path, he worked his way steadily
upward to prosperity. After the death of his first
wife he married her sister, Hester Draper, and a
daughter was born of that union. Mr. Timmons
was called to liis final rest at the age of sixtN -eight.
He was a faithful and consistent member of the
Methodist Cliiircli, and his father w.is a lay reader
iu the Episcopal Church. His parents were both

born in the United States, where his ancestors had
lived for several generations, the family having
been founded in America at the time of the land-
ing of Lord Baltimore.

Dr. Timmons early became familiar with farm
work, for as soon as he could handle the plow he
began laboring in the fields. Up to the time he
w.as eighteen 3-ears of age he attended the common
schools, and then took a course in the graded
schools. Not wishing to follow the pursuit to
which his childhood labors were devoted, he turned
his attention to the medical profession, and for two
years read medicine under his brother's instruc-
tion. He then embarked in merchandising at
Cairo, III., in 1856. and carried on business along
that line until 1862, when, the war having broken
out, he closed his store at that place and removed
to Centralia, 111. There he served as Deputy Rev-
enue Collector until 1869, after which hespent the
two succeeding years in attendance at the Huineo-
patluc Jledical College of Missouri, located in St.
Louis, from which institution he w.as graduated in
March, 1870.

Dr. Timmons first opened an otlice in Money
Creek, Minn., where for five years he engaged in
practice, and then came to Winona, where he Iwis
devoted his time to the prosecution of his profes-
sion continuously since. He h.as always been a
thorough student of the science of medicine, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

217

his abilities, both natural and acquired, have fitted
him for a successful career in his chosen work, llis
knowledge of medicine and his cheery manner in
a sick room make him an excellent physician, and
he now has a good practice.

On the 25tli of June, 1857. Dr. Timmons was
united in marriage with Miss U. E. Robinson, of
Ross County, Ohio, and to them have been born
six children, namely: Kate E.; Virginia E., who is
one of the leading teachers in the public schools of
Kansas and Missouri; Jessie M., wife of G. A. Col-
lins, foreman of one of the leading lumber com-
panies of Winuna; Lydia, a highly educated lady,
now the wife of C. F. Spencer, editor and proprie-
tor of the Atwater Press, of Atwater, Minn.; S.

Luetta, wife of Charles A. Pfeiffer, who is now con-
nected with the O'Neill Elevator Company- of Chi-
cago; and John W., who for several years has held
a responsible position in the Winona Deposit liank.
The Doctor and his family hold membership
with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are
among the leading citizens of Winona, occup^-ing
a high i)osition in social circles. He has been a
stanch and inllexible adherent of the Republican
party since its organization, and was one of nine
Republicans in his county who voted for Fremont
in 1856. He was also one of the thirty-seven
known Republicans in Cairo who supported Lin-
coln. Devotion to principle has always been one
of his leading characteristics.

John Q. Hayes.

engaged in

IOIIN (;. HAYKS, who is now e
farming on section II, Rolling Stone Town-
^ ship, is one of the worthy citizens that Eng-
land has furnished to Winona County. He
was born on the 5th of March, 1835, in Pannard,
England, and w.is the only child horn to Je.sse and
Harriet (Carpe) Hayes. The father was a farmer
and miller, and followed those occupations through-
out his entire life. He never left his native land,
but died in England at the age of seventy-five,
llis wife passed away when sixty-five years of age.
Mr. Hayes of tins sketch (continued under the
parental roof until he had attained his majority,
lie early began work in the fields, and sfK>n became
fniniliar with all the duties of an agricultiirisl.
When he had reached man's estali' he bade adieu
to home and friends and took passage on a sailing-

vessel Iwund for America. The hope of bettering
his financial condition led to his emigration to the
New World, and his hope has lieen realized. He
first made a location in {'laremonl County, Ohio,
where for ten years he worked at the miller's trade,
having learned the same with his father while in
his native land. On the expiration of that decade
hf returned to England ancl embarked in the dairy
business, which he carried on for ten years, when,
in 1876. he again came to the I'nited States and
piirclLtsed the farm upini wliicli he has since made
his liiime.

In 1K.'>6 Mr. Hayes w.is united in marriage with
Miss Martha Maidiiaiit, who died while in England,
leaving four children. Hettie. the eldest, is now
an accomplished leaclier in the schools of Paris;
Susie, Cleopatra and Jesse are still in England.

218

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Mr. Hayes inlierited quite a large estate in Engi
land, but as he did not care to remain in that
country he placed it in possession of his cliildren.
In 1874 he was again married, his second union
being with Miss Jennie Randall, of England.

Mr. Hayes is a stanch supporter of the principles
of the Democracy, but is not strongly partisan. His
fellow-citizens have given evidence of their ap-
preciation of his worth and ability by electing him
to several township ollices, and he is now serving
his second term as Township Treasurer. True to

every trust reposed in him, he has won the confi-'
dence and esteem of ail. Mr. Hayes now owns one
hundred and twenty acres of rich and valuable
land, pleasantly situated five miles from Winona,
and carries on general farming. He has also en-
gaged to some extent in the breeding of trotting
horses. He is a broad minded-man, who keeps well
informed on the questions and issues of the day,
and in the community where he lives is regarded
as a valued citizen.

. "iT^E NEW yoRR-
f>PBLrCLlBKAK7

\V. I.. ROBIIJ.ARl).

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

221

'*»;

Wilford L. Robillard. ft*.= m

-* T ^ILFORU L. ROBII.I.ARl). a well

\/ \/ known business man of Dakota, is the
senior niemter of the firm of Robillard
A Ilelsaple, proprietors of a sawmill. The gentle-
man whose name heads this record lias the honor
of being a native of Winona County, for he was
born in the town of I)resl)ach, Au<;iist If), IMol.
His parent.-. NVilford and Mary (Maynani) Robil-
lard, were both natives of Canada, and came to
New York State in 1843. From there in 1840 tlii-y
went to Freeport, III. Later, in 1850. they moved
from there to Wisconsin, locatinfj in the village
of Drcsibaeh, Winona County, where the father
carried on a tavern. To that business he devoted
his energies for about twelve years, after wliich he
moved to Dubuque, lown. where his last days were
spent. His wife passed away a few years later.
Mr. Robillard and his father-in-law were the first
settlers in Dresbach. The latter was a pilot on the
river. Both entered land from the (iovernrncnt,
and Mr. Robillard operated his farm for some
years, after which he sold it to Mr. Dresl)neh, who
laid out the village and divided the farm intu
town lots.

To Wilford and Mary Robillard were born nevcii
children: .Tosei)li, now a resident of Drcsb.sch; Jos-
ephine and Johnnie, both of whom are now de-
ceased; .lennie, who is the wife of James Wilkinson,
7

a resident of Dakota; Wilford L., of this sketch;
Josephine, deceased; and JIary R., wife of John
Brown, a railroad man, living in Wabasha. After
the father's death the mother became the wife of
Alfred Purdy, and by their union were born three
children: Mrs. Hattie Castor, who is now living in
Dakota; Scott F., who is at home with his parents;
aii<l George, who is also j'et under the parental
roof.

No event of special importance occurred during
the boyhood and youth of the subject of this
sketch, lie remained with his parents and ac-
quired liis education in the public schools, though
from the early age of ten years he earned his own
livelihood. While still a youth he engaged in
>ervice on the river steamers, being empK)yed as
watchman and receiving a man's w.iges. He con-
tinued on the river until eighteen years of age,
saving some money during that time. He then
went to .lordan, Minn., and for one summer worked
on a farm. On the expiration of that period he
returned to Dakota, where he engaged in chopping
wood during the succeeding winter. In the spring
he went to the pineries, where for three years he
was employed as a cook and in lumbering, after
which he removed to the state f)f Dakota, and
there gave his attention to selling farm machinery,
making his home in that place for six years. His

222

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

next journey was across the plains to the West, to
California, but after a sliort time he returned liome
and purcliased a farm on section 12, New llailford
Township, in this county, comprising two hundred
and thirt}- acies of hind. To this heat once turned
his attention, and for three years engaged in its
cultivation.

In September, 1885, Mr. Robillard was united
in niariiage with Miss Dora Foreman, whose birth
occurred May 18, 1863, and who was the daughter
of John Foreman. The latter was a native of
Pike County, Mo., born November 1.5, 1829. When
a little over two years old he accompanied his
father to Pike County, 111., and in 1848 he went
with his brother to Stillwater, Minn. Soon after
he went to St. Paul, in or near which place he
lived up to the time of entering the army. He
served as cook on a Mississippi steamer for several
years, but when the war broke out in 1861 he gave
up bis position, offered his services to the Govern-
ment, and donning the blue marched to the front.
His death occurred in 1866, and his wife passed
away shortly after, leaving four children: Silas,
who is now Assistant State Oil-tester and resides

in St. Paul; Josephine, now the wife of Osgood
Fulington, a resident of St. Paul; Edward, who is
engaged in editing a newspaper in California; and
Dora, now Mrs. Robillard. Our subject and his
wife also iiave four children, and the family circle
yet remains unbroken. They are Ella M., Mary
H., Wilford L., Jr.. and Josie Belle.

After his marriage Mr. Robillard removed to
Duluth, Minn., where he engaged in the real-estate
business witli good success for three j'ears. He
then returned to his old home in Dakota, and after
a short interval of rest embarked in the sawmill
business, which he has since followed. He is re-
garded as one of the enterprising citizens of the
town, and one of its prosperous business men. His
success is the result of close application, earnest
effort and untiring industry. In addition to his
sawmill he owns one hundred and sixty acres of
pine timber-land in the South and one hundred
and sixtj- acres in North Dakota. Mr. Robillard
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and takes an active interest in everything per-
taining to the welfare of the community and its
upbuilding.

Col. John Ball.

eOL. JOHN BALL, deceased, was born on
the 5th of December, 1835. in Rutland,
Jefferson County, N. Y., and was a son of
William and Arodyne (Hill) Ball, wlio belonged
to old families of the Empire State. In the usual
manner of farmer lads the Colonel spent the days
of his boyhood and youth, remaining at home with
his parents until twenty-two years old. Tlie year
1853 witnessed his arrival in Minnesota, whither
he came in company witli B. J. Grimshaw. He
entered the employ of Thomas Simpson, of Wi-

nona, who was then engaged in surveying the Me-
nomonee Indian Reservation in Wisconsin. Later,
in the fall of 1855, he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and
the following year again came to Winona. He
passed one year in Steele County, and until 1861
engaged in surveying and dealing in land, being
in the employ of the Government during a por-
tion of that time. Having determined to enter tin
legal profession, he took up the study of law with
the Hrm of Lewis \- Simpson, and was admitted to
the Bar in 1860, but did not engage in practice.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

223

Mr. Ball had watched with interest the progress
of events wliich had preceded and brought on the
Civil War, and true to the cause of his country he
resolved to strike a hlow in defense of the Union
when the South began hostilities. Hardly had the
smoke from Ft. Sumter's guns cleared away when,
as a private, he joined Company K, First Minne-
sota Infantry. This company was formed of sev-
enty-six men, who enlisted for three months' serv-
ice, but over sixty of them continued in the three-
years service. When the regiment was organized
Mr. Hall was made Captain, and in 1864 he was
promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, of the
Eleventh Minnesota Infantry. He was with his
regiment in Kentucky and Tennessee, and as his
superior otlieer, Col. J. B. Gilfillan. now Chief
.Justice of the Supreme Court, was often called
away, he practically had command of the regiment.
When a private lie shared with his comiades tiieir
high reputation for bravery and steadiness, and
when he became an oflicer he was noted for his
valiant service and for his untlinching discharge
of duty. He took part in man}- of the hard-fought
battles of the war, including the battle of Bull
Run, Ball's Bluff, Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Peach
Orchard, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Charleston, Fred-
ericksburg, that most important battle of (icttys-
burg, and others.

On his return from the war. Colonel Ball pur-
chased from Col. H. C. Lester his abstract books,
completed the set, and in connection with .lolui
B. Fellows carried on the al>stract business, lie
was honored with a number of public otfices. tn
which his worth and ability justU' entitled him.
lie served as .School Director and as Alderman,
and in the year 1866 was elected on the Republican
ticket to represent his district in the State Legisla-

ture. After his retirement from that office he was
elected County Treasurer, a position which he filled
with credit to himself and satisfaction to his con-
stituents until his death. .lohn Ball Post, G. A. R.,
was named in his honor, and indicated the high
regard in which he was held by his army com-
rades. With the Masonic fraternity he held mem-
bership.

On the 27tli of December, 1865, Colonel Ball
was united in marriage with Miss Emma Lewton,
of Lewiston, daughter of .lames J. and Cynthia
(Parker) Lewton, who came to Winona in 1858.
Her father was a contractor and builder, and both
he and his wife died in Winona. Mrs. Ball was a
native of .Jefferson County, Ky., and the family re-
moved from Louisville, Ky., to this place. She is
a lady of high education and is refined and cult-
ured, which fact is shown throughout her beautiful
home. To Colonel and Mrs. Ball were born three
children: Mary Agnes, now the wife of M. P. Han-
son, who is in the North- Western Railroad office;
William Parker, who resides in Goldendale, Wash.;
and Charles G., who is in the employ of the Edi-
son Electric Company, of Brooklyn, N. Y.

Colonel Ball was wounded at the battle .)f Bris-
tol .Station, while leading a charge, and never fully
recovered from his injuries. This undoubtedly
hastened his death, and he died at the home of his
parents in Rutland, N. Y., September 26, 1875. He
was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, and many
friends mourned his loss. His life was indeed ex-
emplary. He was honest and straightforward in
all business dealings, scrupulously self-sacrificing,
and was a true gentleman in the highest sense
of the term. The Bar passed strong resolutions of
respect at his death, and throughout the county
friends mourned him like a brother.

i)
1)

224

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

James Hardwick,

IAMES HARDWICK, a farmer and dairyman
residing on section 30, Winona Township,
_ was born on the lOtli of June, 1830, in
Tickenhani, Somersetshire, England, his fam-
ily being an old one of that county. His father,
James Hardwick, was born iji an old king's palace,
on the same estate where occurred the birth of his
son James. Having arrived at years of maturity,
he led to the marriage altar Miss Mar3- Ann Baker,
who was born in the same neighborhood, and they
became the parents of eight children, seven sons
and a daughter, ail of whom reside in England
with the exception of the subject of this sketch.
Throughout his entire life the father followed the
occupation of farming. His death occurred at the
age of seventy-six, and his wife passed away many
years previous.

Upon the death of the mother the family was
broken up, and James Hardwick went to live with
a farmer in the neighborhood, with whom he con-
tinued for a number of years. He then entered
the employ of a merchant, in whose service he re-
mained for seven years, when, in the autumn of
1856, he came to America, accompanied by his
wife and two children. The voyage across the
Atlantic was made in a sailing-vessel and six weeks
were consumed in making the trip. On reaching
the shores of the New World, Mr. Hardwick came at
once to Winona, where he worked for one yeai',
and then removed to the Gilmore Valley, where
he purchased eighty acrM of land. The tract was
covered with timber, but the forest has since been

replaced by waving fields of grain, which delight
the eye of the passer-by and indicate to him the
enterprising and progressive spirit of the owner,
who has made his home upon his present farm for
thirty-seven years.

Ere leaving his native land, Mr. Hardwick was
united in marriage with Miss Harriet Hawkins,
who was born in Long Ashton, England. Their
union was celebrated on the 4th of July, 1852,
and was blessed with a family of four children.
James W., the eldest, born June 21, 1853, is the
largest dairyman of Winona County. He was
only three and a-half years of age when he came
here, and therefore almost his entire life has been
passed in this locality. On the 1st of Mav, 1877,
he married Miss Lillie Cleveland, of Trempealeau,
Wis., and to them were born six cliildreii: Rosa M.
and Nina L., who died in childhood; and Bearl
Clara, Winnie Ida, Mabel Olive and Gilbert, who
are still with their parents. Mary Ann is the wife
of J. J. Keeley, an engineer in the emplo}' of the
Great Northern Railroad, and they have four sons,
Harry J., William, Bertie C. and Earl J. Harriet
is the wife of J. C. Cornelian, a resident of (irand
Forks County, N. Dak. William L, who is en-
gaged in gardening in Winona Township, wedded
Miss Mary Gallien, and they have two sons, Ray
H. and Allen.

Mr. Hardwick and his son are both supiiortcrs
of the men and measures of the Republican party.
He has several times served as Supervisor of his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

225

lownsbip, and is very prompt and faithful in the
(iischai-ge of his duties. In an early day he took
(piite an active interest in school work, but now
leaves tliat to younger men of the community.
His son has served as Assessor of the township for
seven terms, and as Town Cierk for two terms.

Mr. Hard wick is a member of the Episcopal Church.
He came to tliis country with the hope of benefit-
ing his linancial condition, and by close attention
to the details of his business, b}' good management
and untiring labor he has won a comfortable com-
petence.

John Bain.

JOHN BAIN, one of the representative farm-
ers of Winona County, who owns and oper-
ates a valuable tract of land on section 17,
Fremont Township, is a native of Ontario,
C'an.Tda, born May 15, 1843. His parents, Robert
and Barbara (Ferguson) Bain, had a family of
twelve children, five of whom died in infancy.
The eldest is our subject, and tlie others still liv-
ing are Barbara, widow of Charles McDonald, a
resident of I'olk County, Minn.; Duncan, wlio is en-
gaged in farming in that county; Robert, a carpen-
ter of Polk County;. James, who carries on agricult-
ural pursuits in Polk County; Isabella, wife of
Thomas V. Nesbit, of Winona County; and Donald,
who is a farmer of Polk County. The father of
tliis family was born in Gla.sgow, .Scotland, in IHIK,
and wlien nine ycai-s of age accompanied his par-
ents on their emigration to Canada. The grand-
father of our subject was a carpenter and builder.
Robert Bain became a farmer .ind followed agri-
culliiial pursuits for man}' \ears. In lH6y he came
with his family to Winona County, making it his
home until 1878, when he removed to I'olk Coun-
ty, where he still resides upon a farm. His wife is
also a native of the Highlands of .Scotland, and
both are members of the Presbyterian Church, and

people who are greatl_v respected on account of
the many excellent qualities which they possess.

John Bain, whose name introduces this review,
remained upon the home farm until he had at-
tained his majority, and in early life became famil-
iar with all the duties that fall to the lot of the
agriculturist. The common schools afforded him
his early educational privileges, and experience,
reading and observation have made him a well in-
formed man. As a companion and helpmate on
life's journey he chose Miss E. A. Nisbit. The
wedding was celebrated March 26, 187H, and their
union h.is been blessed with three children, two
sons and a daughter, Robert .1.. Maggie and Neil
G., all yet at home.

Mr. Bain and his family are members of the
Presbyterian Church, and he exercises his right of
franchise in support of the Republican party, the
|)rinciples of which he warmly advocates. On
that ticket he was elected to the State Legislature
in 1889, and w.-is re-nominated for a second term,
but the increased Democratic vote which was man-
ifest all over the country caused his defeat. He
has lieen Supervisor of his township for the long
period of fifteen years, and for eighteen years has
been Clerk of the school district, a fact which

226

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

shows his popularity in the community where he
is best known, and the confidence and trust re-
posed in him by his fellow-citizens.

AVhen Mr. Bain came into possession of his pres-
ent fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, he
could not paj' for it entirely, but has now cleared
it of all indebtedness and has a very valuable
property. In connection with general farming lie

is successfully engaged in stock-dealing, making a
specialty of the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and
English Shire horses. He is enterprising and pro-
gressive in alt business transactions, and his pub-
lic and private life are alike above reproach, for
whether upon the farm, in local office or legisla-
tive halls, he is the same honorable and straight-
forward gentleman.

Frank E. Qartside.

FRANK E. GARTSIDE, who for the past
ten years has been extensively engaged in
the laundry business in Winona, and is
now at the head of one of the leading industries
of the city, claims Pennsylvania as the state of
Iiis nativity. The place of his birth is in Pike
Township, Bradford County, and the date is Feb-
ruary 18, 1862. He is one of a family of six chil-
dren, four of whom are yet living. Their parents
were Thomas and Pernielia !>. (Brink) Gartside,
the former a native of England, and the latter of
the Keystone State. The father was horn in Old-
ham, near Manchester, England, in the 3'ear 1828,
and lived in his native country until he had at-
tained his majority, when, with the desire to tiy
his fortune in America, he took p.issage on a sail-
ing-vessel bound for New York, in 1849. After
arriving in this country he located first near Phil-
adelphia, but afterwards engaged in railroading
in Connecticut, and in the early part of the '50s
became connected with the Eric Railroad, with

which he continued for the long period of twenty-
seven years, one of its most faithful and trusted
employes. During this time his family lived in
Hornellsville, N. y. In 1877 Mr. Gartside retired
from active business, and has since lived in Brad-
ford Count}-, Pa., where he now makes his home,
a highly respected citizen. His wife, who was born
in that county, died in 1894, at the age of sixty-
four years.

Frank E. Gartside was in early life taken to
Hornellsville, where he grew to manhood and
made his home until 1884. In 1881. when nine-
teen years of age. he embarked in business for
himself, establishing a laundry, which he carried
on for three years. He then came to Winona, and
established the laundry which lie now owns in this
cit}'. Since 1885 he lias been located on East
Fourth Street, in a building erected expressly to
meet the requirement* of his business. The rapid
increase of trade necessitated in 1894 the purchase
of the large building adjoining on the east. The

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

227

[ilant is fitted with the newest and most complete
machinery, and employment is furnished to twen-
ty-five hands. From the beginning the trade has
constantly increased, until it has now assumed ex-
tensive ]>roportions and the business has become
a very profitable one. In addition to the laundry
trade, Mr. Gartside has just put in a carpet-clean-
iii','^ plant, embodying the latest improvements in
that direction, and is prepared to do first-class work
•ilong that line.

On the 25th of October, 1892, Mr. Gartside was
united in marriage with D. C. Edwards, a native

of Elmira, N. Y. Tbey are both highly respected
in the community and have many warm friends.
Mr. Gartside is one of the enterprising, wide-
awake young men of the citj', and is deservedly
popular with all classes. He is connected with
several civic societies, holding membership with
Winona Lodge No. 18, A. V. & A. M.; with the
Knights of Pythias fraternity, and witli the Order
of Druids. His political views are those of the Re-
publican party, and on that ticket he was elected
Alderman of the city in 1888, serving for one
term as a member of the council.

Bernard riaceman.

BERNARD M ACEMAN, one of the honored
pioneers of Winona County, now engaged
in gardening in the city of Winona, was
born in Westenflander, Belgium, on the 31st of
August, 1822, and is a son of James and Cecil
Maceman. In the family were ten ciiildren, and
Ucrnard was the seventh in order of birtli. Tlic
father was a farmer by occupation, carrying on ag-
ricultural pursuiUs throughout his wiiole life. Phys-
ically, he was a large, strong man. His death oc-
curred when about sixty years of age, in Belgium,
where his entire life was passed.

Mr. Maceman of this sketch remained at home
until his father's death, lie being then eighteen
years of age. After that he began to support
the family, and his earnings were thus used uiilil
IK.') I, when he sailed for America. That «a« be-
fore the day of modern steamers, and he look pas-
sage at Antwerp on a sailing-vessel carrying eight

hundred and eighty passengers, which after a voy-
age of twenty-eight days dropped anchor in the
harbor of New York. It was in May that ho landed
on the shores of the New World, and found him-
self among a strange people, whose laiiguaire he
could not speak. He had no capital, and had to
(Ippcnd enlirel\- on his own resources. Immedi-
ately making his way to Cleveland, Ohio, in the
vicinity of that city he sought and obtained a po-
sition as a farm hand, working by the month for
half a year for *(! per month.

Mr. Maceman continuecl to make his home in the
Huckeye State until May, 1856, when lie bade adieu
to Ohio and came to .Minnesotji, locating in Wi-
nona. Here he liegan work in a stone-iiuarry, be-
ing thus employed for three yeai-s. when, with the
capital he had ac(|ulrcd .'is the result of his untiring
labor and perseverance, he purchased forty acres
of land, on which the cemetery now stands. He

228

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

afterward purchaser! sixteen acres of land, on which
liis home is now located, and to gardening lie de-
votes his time and energies. In this business lie
has prospered, for he thoroughly understands tlie
culture of fruit and vegetables, and the products
which he places upon the market are always of a
fine variety, and therefore bring a good i)rice.

In Cleveland, Ohio, Mr. Macenian was united in
marriage, in March, 1856, with Miss Amelia Spell-
man, a native of northern Holland, born February
21, 1834. The lady came to America with her
parents when a maiden of ten summers. By their
union were born Ave children, two of whom
died in infancy. Those still living are James, the

eldest, who now rents his father's farm; William,
who is engaged in gardening in Winona Township;
and Bernard, who is emploj'ed in Winona. Mr.
Maceman is a member of the Catholic Church, and
his wife holds membership with the Kpiscopal
CMiurch. Both are highly respected people and
iiavc many warm friends in this community. For
tliirty-eight years Mr. .Maceman has liecn a resi-
dent of Winona County, and has therefore wit-
nessed the greater part of its growth and develop-
ment. He has always manifested a commendable
interest in ever^- thing pertaining to its welfare and
upbuilding, and deserves mention among its hon-
ored early settlers.

John Waltham.

JOHN WALTHAM is a man of strong indi-
viduality, possessed of many striking char-
acteristics, among vvliich are those sterling
qualities which have gained for him higli
regard. Those who know him best recognize his
honesty of purpose, his straightforwardness and
the true nobility of manhood, and his friends in
the community are many. He was born in Mot-
ion, Lincolnshire, Kngland, May 27, 1817. and in
1836 crossed the Atlantic to New Orleans on the
new sailing-vessel, "John Dunlap," which reached
its destination after a voyage of eight weeks. He
was accompanied by a man and his three children
whose wife had refused to leave England. This
gentleman had a brother in Alton, III., a miller,
who had re(|uestcd him to bring a young man

with him. and in compliance with this request he
brought Mr. Waltham to his brother's home.

On reaching .\lton; Mr. Waltliara hired out to the
millei'. .iiid for hiiu took some horses to northern
Illinois, riding them two hundred and ten miles
across the trackless prairie and through the wilder-
ness. For this he was paid $12, of which he spent
$6. wishing to save the remainder to return with,
if necessary. He settled at Pecatonica, 111., where
he worked at various labors until 1837, when he
went to Dubuque. In the same 3'ear he returned
to Alton, and hired to his old employer to work
ill the coal mines, where he was employed for some
years. Finally he purchased eighty acres of land
near Shipman Station, and opened up a farm. In
1851 he went to California by way of New Orleans

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPiriCAL RECORD.

229

in company witli a party of five. They ciossed
the Isthmus and had some interesting experiences
in getting annmd tlie rapids, having to cliange
boats several times. Tliey left home in March,
and on the 2Ith of .luly reached San Francisco.
Mr. Waltliam suffered from ill health and for a-
time could only work half a day. He afterward
secured a claim, on which he spent the summer, and
then returned to Marysville and staged one hun-
dred and fifty miles to Shasta. Beyond that all
travel was on muleback. In the fall Mr. Walthani
engaged in prospecting, and in the winter took u
claim. He worked for *40 per month above ex-
penses and the next summer received $100 per
month above expenses. Finding the mountjiins
were covered with snow, he concluded to go fifty
miles across to Trinity River. When half the dis-
tance was accomplished be and his companion
came to the home of four miners, with whom they
remained over night. The next day they traveled
over the mountains without either food or drink.
Mr. Waltham went through many hardships. and
experiences during his life in California, but also
gained much valuable informatiou.

After his return to Illinois, the subject of this
sketch purchased eighty acres of land at Shi[)man.
In 18G1 he again went to the Pacific Slope, b\-
way of the Isthmus route, taking with him his
wife and daughter. He expected to locate in the
Umpqua \'alley, but the ship could not enter the
river on account of fogs, and went on to Portland.
Mr. Waltham did not like that region, and after
visiting several points on Puget Sound returned
to San Francisco, and in the spring again went to
Illinois.

On the 27lh of April, 18.)G, in .Vltoii, HI., Mr.
Waltham married Lucinda H. Carpenter, who was
born December 18, 1827, in Landgrove, Benning-
ton County, Vt., anfl came to Illinois with her
father at the age of thirteen. They resided on
the old farm near Shipman until 18<)1, when they
came to Minnesota, and Mr. Walthani entered a
farm six miles north of St. Charles. The follow-
ing year he sold out his household effecUs and re-
turned to Illinois. He took i)a.ss.ige on the "Den-
mark," which was sunk on a sandbar, one hundred
miles above Alton, but took another boat and pro-

ceeded on his way. Mr. Waltham settled on the
old farm near Shipman, and in 1863, after planting
bis crop, decided to go to Colorado. He left St.
Joseph, Mo., for Denver with a train of freight
teams and drove four mule-teams across the coun-
try. After his return he fitted up the mule-train for
trip to Montana, in 1863, but returned to Illinois
in 1864, just before the election of Lincoln.

The year 1865 witnessed the arrival of Mr.
Waltham in Minnesota. He settled two and a-half
miles southeast of St. Charles, and in the fall
purchased land ii mile and a-half northwest of the
town, on which he built a large brick house, now
owned by N. \. A. Crow. Vov twelve years he
improved that place. In the mean time he went to
Knglaud to see his family and old home. He also
visited P'lorida to look up the country, but did
not make investments there. In 1877 he went to
California with a view to buying land, but was
not pleased with the country and returned to
Ashland, Neb., where he rented a farm. After
raising one crop he returned to Minnesota. In
the mean time he had sold his farm in Winona
County. The next season he again went West,
this time to Hot Springs, Ark., where he engaged
in hotel-keeping until 1873. He then returned
to Winona County, where he still had business
interests, owning a farm near Utica. In 1878 he
returned to St. Charles, and in 1881 he began the
brewing business, which he carried on for two
years. He then sold out, as the business proved un-
profitable. He has since twice visited Hot Springs,
taking friends both times, visited California in
company with Mr. and Mrs. Crow, and attended the
New Orleans Exposition, thence going across the
country to Los Angeles, Cal. He h.^s five times
visited Mississippi. He now owns a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres near Utica, another tract
of sixty acres, and some residences in St. Charles
which he rents.

Mr. Waltham has seen many sides of life, suf-
fered privations, met business reverses as well as
successes, has been brought in contact with all
kinds of people, and has had varied experiences.
A love of travel and change seems inherent in
him, and although he has sometimes wished that
he might settle down (luietly. it has seemed iin-

230

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

possible, and lie lias continued his jonrneyings.
His prosperity is due to his own well directed ef-
forts and also to those of his estimable wife, whose
excellent business and executive ability has stood
him in good stead, a fact ivhich he recognizes, giv-
ing to her due credit. She has indeed been to him
a helpmate. Although not possessing the extreme
polish of the society man, Mr. Waltham is pos-
sessed of true manliness and has a keen apprecia-
tion of the beauties of nature and of the high and
lofty along other lines. Although his school priv-
ileges were limited, travel and experience have
brought him a wide knowledge, and he frequently
jots his thoughts down in rhyme, which often pos-

sesses much beauty, both of thought and diction.
Mis ability as an entertaining conversationalist is
widely known and recognized, and he always has
a fund of rich anecdotes and interesting personal
reminiscences to relate. Some one has said of him
liiat he it a man through wliose life runs a strain
of liumoi, earnestness, satire, levity, honesty and
cheerfulness, llis life has been somewhat as the
rolling stone, yet contrary to it in one particular,
for he has not only gathered moss, but polish as
well. The record of Winona County would be
incomplete without tliis sketch of one of its lead-
ing characters.

Otis Crandell Tucker.

OTIS CRANUELL TUCKER has long been
one of Winona's prominent business men,
and this liistory would be incomplete with-
out the record of his life, which shows what can be
accomplished by diligence, perseverance and well
directed efforts. He early learned to make the
most of his opportunities, and in this way he has
steadily risen from an humble position tooneof af-
tlueuce. He was born near Hoosiek, Rensselaer
County, N. Y., March 12, 1822, and is a son of Si-
las H. and Betsy (Crandell) Tucker. On his fa-
ther's side lie is a relative of ex-Sccretaiy B. F.
Tracy, a member of President Garfield's cabinet.
The father served as an oiliccr in the War of
1812-13, and after his return from the army was
extensively engaged in farming, and at the same
time carried on a lumlier Inisiness in Vestal,
Broome County.

Mr. Tucker was two years of age at the time of
his parents' removal to that place. He early be-
came familiar with the work of the farm and of
the mill. In his boyhood he attended the common
schools, and for two years pursued his studies un-
der Professor Wheeler, of Union, N. Y. When he
had attained his majority he started out for himself
and began the lumber business on his own account
in Broome County, N. Y. He soon after bought
ft mill, and later airried on business in Pennsyl-
vania. He worked earnestly, trying hard to make
a start in life, and at length his labors were reward-
ed bj' increasing capital. In 1858 he first came to
Minnesota and loaned some money on leal estate'
but soon after returned to his home.

In the fall of 1860 Mr. Tucker again came West,
with a view to seeking a location, and after trav-
eling through Illinois and Iowa he took up his

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

231

residence in Winona, in 1861. It was his intention

to eventually build a lurabcr-iiiill. Iiut instead he
openeci a lumber-yard. There were only two .small
mills m this place at that time, cutting from twelve
to fifteen thousand feet of lumber per day. They
were the beginning of what is now the most impor-
tant industry of the place. In connection with his
luraber-yard Mr. Tucker engaged in buying grain
for a short time, but soon abandoned this and for
fifteen years carried on a lumber business, extend-
ing over a radius of oneliundred miles. Previous
to locating in the West he had made investments
in pine laiuls in .Michigan, which lands he subse-
quently sold at a handsome advance. He had also
made some loans on land in this locality, and out
of these grew a real-estate business.

With various other enterprises was Mr. Tucker
also connected. He began loaning money, and be-
came a stockholder in the First and Second Nation-
al Banks, and subsequently was made a Director of
the .Second National Bank. His time and attention
are now largely given to his real-estate interests,
and whatever of success he has attained has not
been the result of chance, nor has come to him
as an inheritance, but has been achieved through
earnest and persistent efforts, and is the reward of
untiring labor. He votes with the Democratic
party, but has never sought political (irominence.
lie i.-- !\ man of high character and strict integrity,

whose standing in business and social circles has
made him one of the valued citizens of his adoi)ted
county. He is noted for his promptness in meet-
ing his obligations. No one in his long business
career ever had to come to him a second time with
a bill or other oblig.ition. In a period of more
than thirty years he has had but one law suit, and
in that particular case he was the defendant, and
obtained judgment against the plaintiff for about
$2,8(10.

On the 2d of July, 1860, was celebrated the mar-
riage of -Mr. Tucker and lyucinda C, daughter of
Benjamin Rounds, of Broome County, N. Y. Their
only child, a daughter, Ella, was born April 8, 1861-
Her early girlhood was passed in Winona, and aft-
er graduating from the Normal .School in 1887 she
entered the Northwestern University at Evanston,
III., where she remained two years. Her taste and
natural artistic genius, which were of a high order,
received guidance and direction through a course of
special instruction in art in Chicago, at the Cooper
Instilvite in New York, and through six months of
European travel, sfientin viewing the work of the
old masters. She w.as amiable and unassuming in
character, prominent in society and charitable
movements, and a favorite with all. She passed to
her reward October 17, 1894, regretted by the en-
tire community, and mourned by all who knew lier»
and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Samuel A. Ailing.

.VMIEL A. AM,IN(; is the owner of Cherry
(irove Fruit Farm, one of the finest fruit
farms in this part of Winona County. He
makes his home in the village of Homer, and is a
highly respected citizen, having many warm friends
throughout the community. He was born .Inly
27, lM2l,in New Haven, C(»nn., and comes from
an oltl New England family. His father, .Samuel
Ailing, was also a native of New Haven, and for

thirty-three yeai-s was n sailor. At length he
abandoned the sea and turned his attention to
farming. Having purchased a tract of land in the
Ea.st, he cultivated and improved the same until
al>ont 18.J6, when he cume to Minnesota, and for
two years made his home with his son Samuel. He
then returned to Connecticut, where he spent his
remaining days, his death occurring about 1861.
His wife survived him three years, and died in

23-2

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1864. They lia<^ « family of ten cliildren, eijjht
of whom are yet living: David, now of Hockfoid,
111.; Mrs. Sarah Baldwin and Mrs. Rebecca Baley.
both deceased; Mrs. Mary Harrison, of Winona
County; Jane Scratton, who is living in Florida;
Samuel A.; Mrs. Emilj- Russell, of East Haven,
Conn.; Mrs. Martlia Potter, of New Haven, Conn.;
Mrs. Maria Kay, also of New Haven; and Mrs.
Janet Smith, of Hartford, Conn.

Under the parental roof Samuel A. Ailing re-
mained until twenty years of age. For a short
time he then engaged in blacksraithing at 112 per
month, after which he began work in the armory,
where he received *'2 per day. After being thus
employed for a year, he spent two years in an
auger and ditch shop, and then embarked in the
manufacture of matches, which he carried on for a
short time. The next event of importance which
occurred in his life was his removal to the West in
1847.

In the mean time, however, Mr. Ailing was mar-
ried, on the 19th of May. 1845, IMiss Rhoda Jones
becoming his wife. She was a daughter (if Samuel
and Catherine Jones, natives of Connecticut. Her
father was a farmer. After thirteen montiis of
wedded life, Mrs. Ailing died, leaving an infant
daughter, Fimma, who is now the wife of Samuel
Croffman, of Winona. For three years Mr. Ailing
lived alone, and then married Elizabeth Hill, who
died of consumption three years later, while liv-
ing in Michigan. For liis third wife Jlr. Ailing
chose Maria Grconman, daughter of Orange and
Sarah (Bouton) Greenman, natives of New York.
Her father died when she was quite young. Her
mother afterward came to the West and resided
with Mrs. Ailing for a short time, when she again
returned to her old home. She now resides in
Battle Creek, Mich., with her son Daniel, who now

follows farming at that place. In the Greenman
family were ten children, live of whom are yet
living. .lane is deceased; Mortimer is a resident of
Michigan; Edward is living in the same state; Ann
is the wife of Spencer Pickle, of .Michigan; Mrs.
Maria Ailing was born November 1, 1835; Daniel
lives in Battle Creek, Mich.; Pauline is now de-
ceased; Mrs. Eunice Cook is a resident of Nebraska,
Minn.; and Jean and Sarah are both deceased.

On coming West in 1847, Mr. Ailing l>3ated in
Rockford, III., where he made his home for .six
years. He then removed to Minnesota, locating
on a farm in Winona County. A few years later
he came tu Cherry Grove Fruit Farm, which has
since been his home. He has here between six
and seven hundred cherry trees, comprising one
of the finest cherry orchards in this section. His
fruit is of a fine variety, and meets with a ready
sale. In connection with this property he also
owns many town lots.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ailing were born three chil-
dren, but only one is now living. Sarah, the eld-
est, was born in May, 1848, and died in June,
1849; Ida, born Maj- 4, 1853, is now the wife of
George (). Booth, a contractor and builder of Pres-
colt, Iowa, by whom she has four children; and
Homer, born February 28, 1854, died in December,
1855.

The educational privileges of Mr. .Mling were
limited to six weeks' attendance at the district
schools, hut though his advantages were few, he
has improved his opportunities, and is a self-made
man, who deserves great credit for his success in
life. He has served as Assessor, Justice of the
Peace, Constable, Treasurer and Town Clerk, and,
in fact, has filled all the town offices except that
of Supervisor. By his ballot he siipjiorts tiie men
and measures of the Republican party.

G

*
*

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

233

Abraham Hesselgrave.

'^TX BRAHAM HESSELGRAVE, who carries on
r — Y general farming on section 15, Saratoga
Township, where he owns and operates a
good farm of one hundred and fourteen acres, is a
native of New York. He was born in Lisbon
Townsiiip, St. Lawrence County, on tlie 2d of
.luly, 1828, and is of English descent. His par-
ents, .lames and Marg.iret (Oldncss) Hesselgrave,
were l)Olh natives of England. Their family num-
bered ten children, nine sons and a daughter.
Having emigrated to America, they lived for many
years in the Empire State, and there, on a farm,
Abraham was iKirn and reared. The school privi-
leges which he received were those afforded by the
neighborhood, and he could then attend school
only until fifteen years of age.

.Mr. Hesselgrave l)egan life for himself at the
early age of thirteen by working as a farm hand
for |it! per month. He was then cmplo3'cd in that
capacity until after his- removal to the West. The
year lH6.'i witnessed his arrival in Minnesota.
Here he determined that his labors should more
directly benefit himself, and instead of entering
the employ of other."* he rented land and began
farming in his own interest. The venture proved
successful, and he thereby acquired a small capital,
wiih which at the end of the year he purchased
forty acres of land on section 16, Saratoga Town-
ship. The tract was but partially improved, but
his labor* soon made the fields very productive
and good crops were harvested. The little farm

of forty acres continued his place of residence
until 1873, when he sold out. In 1879 he pur-
chased the farm which has been his home contin-
uously since, aijd m its improvement and cultiva-
tion his lime was passed.

On the 16th of August, 1851, Mr. Hesselgrave
was married, the lady of his choice being Miss
Margaret Champinc, and the day on which the
historian writes is the forty-third anniversary of
their marriage. The lady, a native of Canada,
was born March 9, 1832, and is a daughter of John
and Rosaiina Champinc, both of whom were of
French extraction. To Mr. and Mrs. Hesselgrave
were born eleven children, namely: .lane, Mar-
garet, Henry, John. Emmn. James, Minnie ((Je-
ceased), Fred, Ella. .Mberl. and Willie, who is also
deceased.

In his political views Mr. Hesselgrave is a Repub-
lican. He was an opponent of slavery in the days
inior to the war, and when a party was formed to
prevent its further extension he joined its ranks.
When the South allenipted secession he was true
to the Union, and on the 23d of August, 1862, he
manifested his loyalty by offering his services to
the Government. He was assigned to Company
E. One Hundred and Sixth New York Infantry,
and the first engagement in which he participated
was at Rolling Stone. This was followed by the
battles of Martinsburg. Winchester and Fisher
Hill. He was also under fire at Cedar Creek, Man-

234

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

assas, the Battle of the Wilderness, Culpeper,
Stony Creek, and during many engagements of
lesser importance. At Petersburg, his last engage-
ment, he was wounded by a minie-ball, which
passed through his right wrist, and for a short
time was in the field hospital, after which he was
sent to the Finley Hospital, in Wasiiington, D. C.
lie there received an honorable discharge on the
23d of June, 1865. He was always true to the

cause, ever found at his post valiantly defending
the .Stars and .Stripes which now triumphantly
wave over a united nation.

After l)eing mustered out Mr. Ilesselgrave re-
turned to his native state, and tiience came to Wi-
nona County, with the interests of which he has
since been identilicd. He is an honored comrade
in the Grand Army of the Republic, and all who
know him respect him.

John Denno.

JOHN DENNO, a retired farmer, now residing
in Dakota, w.as born on the 20tli of June,
1820, in Canada, and is a son of Joseph and
Sampah (Meade) Denno, who were also na-
tives of Canada. They came to tlie United States
about 1835, locating in Sheldon. \'t., where they
made their home for about five years. In 1855
they came to Minnesota, and located in the cit_v of
Winona. The father was a farmer by occupation,
and became well-to-do. In his family were eight
children, live of whom are yet living.

In the usual ninnner of farmer lads, John Denno
was reared, spending his boyliood days midst play
and work. As soon as old enough to handle the
plow, his labors in the field began, and from that
time forward he was for many years connected with
agricultural interests. In fact, he made farming
his life work. With his parents he removed from
Canada to Vermont, when a youth of fifteen, and
in 1857 came to Minnesota. Here he secured land
which he at once began to clear and develop, and
in course of time the once wild prairie was placed

under a high state of cultivation, while many im-
provements found upon a model farm were made.

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey,
Mr. Denno chose Miss Mary Bileniar, daughter of
Enos Bilemar, a native of Canada. Their wedding
was celebrated on the 10th of July, 1840, and for
the long period of fifty-two j'ears they traveled
life's journey- together, sharing with each other
its joys and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity.
At length they were separated by death, the lov-
ing wife passing away on the 28th of April, 1892.
She was a most estimable lady, and her iBany
excellences of character gained her a large circle
of warm friends.

To Mr. and Mrs. Denno were born eleven chil-
dren, six of whom are yet living. Mrs. Jennie
Norton, the eldest now living, resides in Homer.
The next, a son, died in infancy. June, the wife
of Levi Brown, is a resident of Winona. Lucinda,
the wife of James Donehower, also resides in Wi-
nona. Hattie is n(iw the wife of Edward Leach,

PORTRAIT AND BICKiRAPHICAL RECORD.

235

whose home is in the village of Dakota. Adeline is
ttie wife of Josepli Tetroe, whoso home is in Kansas.
Henry C. is tlie loading mercliunt and one of the
most prominent citizens of Homer. He is a very
enterfirising man, and his success in business is due
to his own efforts. Ho wedded Miss Mary Leacli,
daughter of Charles Leach, one of the ])ioneer set-
tlers of Winona County.

.loliii Deiino was reared in the faith of the

Catholic Church, but now holds membership with
no religious organization. In his political views
he is a Democrat. His life has been " well and
worthily passed, and he has gained a competence
that now enables him to live retired. His honor-
able nnd straightforward career has won him uni-
versal confidence, and without doubt his many
friends will he glad to see this record of his life
in the history of his adopted county.

Alvano Benjamin Dyar.

Cryr LVANO BP:NJAMIN DYAR is a farmer
r — \ of .Saratoga Township, residing on section
9. The record of his life is as follows:
He was horn in Freeman Township, in Franklin
Count}', .Me., December 17, I8.'59, and comes of a
family of English origin. During Colonial days
ancestors by the name of Dyar sailed from Eng-
land to America and became rosidcnt-s of the Pine
Tree State. Azor Dyar. the father of Alvano, was
there borti October 12.*1812, and his entire life
was spent upon the farm which had been owned
by his father. His death occurred on the old
home place, on the 31st of March, 1892. He
was a member of the Methodist Church, and a
most highly respected citizen, who was widely and
favorably known in his native county. His wife
liorc the mnidoii name of Mary Davis, and was a
distant relative of .Jefferson Davis. .She is now
living in Maine, in her eighty-sixth year. In the
family were three chiblren : Alvano B.; Emerson
l>.. who is Vice-President of the H.J. (J'Neil Com-
pany, leading grain dealers of Winona; and Ros-

coe. who is living on the old homestead in Maine
which was settled by his grandfalhor.

The public schools afforded .Mr. Dyar, of this
sketch, a fair business education, and uuon the
farm his boyhood days were spent midst |)I.Ty and
work. No event of special im|)ortance oceuired
during his youth. He became familiar with all the
duties of farm life, and to his father he gave the
benefit of his services until he had attained his
majority. He then rented -a part of the old home-
stead and bog'in farming in his own interest.

It was in the spring of ISti.'j that Mr. Dyar came
to Minnesota, settling in .Saratoga Township, Wi-
nona County. For a year he rented land, and
then purchased the farm on which his residence
now stands. It comprises one hundred and sixty
acres of land on section !». and to this he has added
from time to time until he here has three hundred
and fifty -six acres, while altogether his landed pos-
sessions aggregate about seven hundred acres. The
wild prairie land has been transformed into rich
and fertile fields, and the golden grain pays trib-

236

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAI'IUCAL RECORD.

ute to his care and labor. His time and attention
are given to general farming and stock-raising,
and his land in all well improved.

On the 18tli of November, 1868, was celebrated
the marriage of Mr. Dyar and Miss Adah Gerrish.
Five children have been born to. them, and the
family circle yet remains unbroken. In order of
birth they are as follows: Charles A., who is now
living in Montana; M. Davis, who is connected
with the O'Neil Grain Company, of Winona; John
G., Bert A. and Mary 0.,all of whom are still with
their parents.

Mr. Dyar exercises his right of franchise in sup-
port of the men and measures of the Republican
party. He has served as Township Supervisor,
but has never been a politician in the sense of of-
flce-seekiug. His business career has been one of
success. He had no capital with which to begin
life, save a young man's bright hope of the future
and a strong determination to succeed, and this
determination he has carried out. He is now in
comfortable circumstances, and is recognized, not
only as one of the substantial, but also as one of
valued, citizens of the community.

THE NEW yoflif
PUBLIC LIBRARY

-'ONS
I

J

CIlARI.i:8 CKRRISH.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

239

\J

#§l| Charles Qerrish. p|l-;

e

IIARLKS GERRISn, a retired fanner of
St. Cliarles, Ls iiumbeied ainonj^ the lion-
ored pioneers of Winona County, liavinj;
licie made lii;* home since 1855. lie has witnessed
the entire growth and development of this re<;ion,
and has ever borne his ])art in the wi)il< of prog-
ress and development, so that his name is insep-
arably connected with the liisU.)ry of this secti(jii.
A native of New Hampshire, Mr. (ierrish was
born in Canterbury, Merrimac County, on the 1st
of March. 1H22. His fatiier, .loseph Gerrish. was
also born in that locality, and wa> the sixth in
direct descent from Capt. William (Icrrisli, founder
of the family in America. The Captain was Ixirn
in Bristol, England, in 1G17, braved the dangers
of an ocean voyage in IB.'iit, ln'canie a resident of
Newbury, Mass., and died in 16»7. His son, Col.
Moses Gerrisb, was the father of Col. Joseph Ger-
rish. and the grandfather of Capt. .Stephen Gerrish,
who was the great-grandfather of the gentleman
whose name heads this record. The grandfather
bore the name of Samuel Gerrish.

Charles Gerrish ha* in his posses-sioii many in-
teresting heirlooms, including a worsted comb.
This was borrowed from his mother si.xty years
*go by a lady wht>se son returned it to Charles
Gerrish only three years since. He also has two

old silhouettes, the common style of picture at
that day, one of his mother at twenty years of
age, and the other of Ezekiel Webster, brother of
Daniel Webster. He has a block of wood cut from
a tree famous in history, the one on which Daniel
Webster hung his scythe when, after complaining to
his father of the way it hung, he was told to hang
it to suit himself. An old pewter plate in his
home belonged to his grandmother's mother, and
is about two hundred years old. He also has a
pewter teapot given to his grandmother. Mi-s.
Samuel < lerrish.

.losepli (Jerrish only lived eiglit miles from the
liome of Daniel Webster. He married .Sarah Chan-
dler, and after tlie death of his lirst wife wedded
Sarah Chiircli, d.'uighter of .bihii Church. Her fa-
ther was a native of Ireland, and a son of Colonel
Church, of the English army. When a child of
seven yeai-s, he came to the I'nitecl States with a
friend. Both the (ierrish and Church families
have had many representatives in military life.

Charles (ierrish was reared on a farm in New
Hampshire, on the .Merrimac River, in the old
neighborhtK)d where many represcnlativcs of the
family rcsiderl. At a (Ierrish meeting held in
IS-ll at his homo, there were one hundred ami
seveuly-flve near relatiTes present, and with one

240

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

exception all of these were Whigs. These family
meetings were a feature in New England society
for over half a century. Charles remained on the
old homestead and operated the farm until IH:)3.
The following year he came West and took up his
residence in New Buffalo, Mich. The following
spring he came to Minnesota, reaching Sar.itoga
on the 19th of June, 1855. A few weeks previous
he had secured a claim on sections '6, 4, 9 and 10,
Saratoga Township, and at once began to improve
that farm, which he made his home for twenty
years. It comprised four hundred acres of rich
lan(J, and was a valualile properly. His first home
was a log cabin, 16x22 feet, with a "lean-to," and
in that house the lirst school in Saratoga Town-
ship was taught by Miss Helen Hewitt, daugliter
of Jason Hewitt. She had about twenty-six pu-
pils. She was afterward married, and her husband
was killed in the Quantrell raid at Lawrence, Kan.,
where she now lives. Her father still resides in
Saratoga Township. The first election in that
township was held in the (ierrish home, and out
of the thirty-two votes cast thirty were for Re-
publican candidates.

Mr. Oerrish was married on the 18th of March,
1845, in West Hartford, Vt., to Miss Olive W.
Dimick, a native of the Green Mountain State.
To them have been born three children: Allen, of
St. Charles, a market gardener and breeder of
Duroc Jersey red hogs; Adah, wife of A. B. Dyar,
of Saratoga; and Ktta \'eva. wife of Louis H.
Dyer, of Quincy Townshij), Olmsted County.

The parents aided in the organization of the
Congregational Church in Saratoga, about 1856,
and are now connected witli the church in .St.
Charles. Mr. Gerrish, who has alwaj's been a stanch
Republican in politics, was a delegate to the Con-
stitutional Convention in 1857. After selling his
first farm, he bought and sold several other tracts
of land, and now owns considoralile farm property".
On coming here in 1855, he had a capital stock of
about $2,000, but he has made the most of his op-
portunities, and is now numbered amcjng the sub-
stantial citizens of the community, a position to
which he is justly entitled. He is a large man, of
fine physique, with a long gray beard and kindly
gra^' eye, the latter being an index of his char-
acter.

Otis Abell.

OTIS ABKLL, of the Winona Construction
Company, is a man of wide business ex-
l)erience, enterprising and progressive, and
aimmg the valued citizens of his adopted county
he is numbered. He was born in Otsego, (Oswego
County, N. Y., on the Ittli of May, 1844, and is a
son of Lemuel and Sallio W. (Watson) Abell. The
father was born in the Kmpire .State in the year
1810, and there resided until 1848, when he re-

moved to the West, locating in l)o<lge County, Wis.
There he remained for seven years eng,aged in farm-
ing. In 18.J5 he came to MinnesoUi, and took up
his residence in Wisi'oy Township, Winona County.
wliere he entered one hundred and twenty acres of
land, having obtained it fi'om the (iovermnent. Il
was in a wild and unimproved ^tate, hut with char-
acteristic energy he began its development and
in course of time trMiisfi>rmed it intc> rich and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

241

fertile fields, which yielded to him a good income.
For many years he was one of the representative
citizens of his township, serving for a long ))eriod
as Chairman of the Town Committee, and in all pub-
lic aflfaii-8 was recognized as a ieadei. In early days
he was an Abolitionist, and supported that party
when devotion to its principles caused much sacri-
fice. When the Republican party was formed to
prevent the extension of slavery, he at once joined
its ranks and was one of its earnest advocates
throughout his remaining days. He took a deep
interest in religious affairs, and was a member of
the regular Baptist Church. His wife, a daughter
of Pelaliah Watson, was born in Vermont in 180!S,
and is still living in Wiscoy Township, on the fnrin
where they located on coming to the state. The
Abell family numbered six children, namely: Aus-
tin, on the old homestead; Mineiva L., widow of
Atvin Ford; George, deceased; Otis, of this notice;
and two who died in infancy.

Pelaliah Watson was a native of Vermont and a
farmer by occupation. After his marriage he lo-
cated in New York State, and in 1848 came West.
scttlTHg in Dodge County, Wis. His death oc-
cured at Trenton, that state, when in his eighty-
second year. He had a family of three sons anil
three daughters, namely: Sallie W., who is still liv-
ing.attlie age of eighty-six; James, Can dice, .lohii,
Louisa A. and Henry.

Otis Abell was a child of four summers when by
his parents he was tiiken to Wisconsin, and was a
lad of eleven years when lie came to Minnesota.
The educational privileges afforded him were
tliose of the common schools. His services were
much ill (leinaiid upon the farm, and he early became
familiar with the arduous task of developing the
wild pmirie, but to his father he gave the benefit
of his services until twenty-five years of age, when
he was united in marriage with Miss Mary A. Hand,
the ceremony being performed on the 25111 of .luly,
1863.

Mrs. .Vliell was born in Wayne County, N. Y.,
and IS a daughter nf Alplumso and Mary Ann

Hand. The family came to the West in 1866, and
settled in Minnesota, but the parents are both now
deceased, the father having p.assed away at the
age of sixt^-three, while the mother was called to
the home beyond at the age of thirty-three. Mr.
and Mrs. Abell now have three children: May, wife
of Walter Birdlebaugh; Annie M. and Ida E.

After his marriage, Mr. Abell built a home and
began life in earnest. He later engaged in rail-
roading and contracting, to which work he devoted
his energies for several years, and also sold agri-
cultural implements. He then built a store at Cen-
treville, where he engaged in merchandising for
eight years, after which he sold out, and in 1885
came to Winona, where he has since made his home.
For a year and a-half he engaged in merchandis-
ing, and then sold out his interest in his store. He
later embarked alone in tlie business of laying as-
phalt sidewalks, which proved a profitable ven-
ture, but he is now associated with other parties.
In 1893 he became one of the partners in the
Winona Construction Company, which is to-day
recognized .as one of the successful business firms
of the city. They enjoy a liberal patronage,
which is constaiilly increasing, and the contracts
which they have made have yielded them a good
income.

During the late war, Mr. Abell manifested his
loyalty to the Union cause by responding to the
President's call for troops. In 1862 he donned
the blue, enrolling his name among the comrades of
Company K, Eleventh Minnesota Infantry, in
which he faithfully served until discharged in
1864. He is now a member of .lolin Ball Post,
(i. A. R., holds membership with the Efniit,'ibli> .\id
Society, and also belongs to the .Modern Woodmen
of America. In politics he has always been a Re-
publican, and the |)rinciples of the party receive
his earnest support. He is recognized as one of
the wide-awake and progressive men to whom
the prosperity of a place is due, and Winona recog-
nizes him as one of her most valuable citizens.

242

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Hon. William Hall Yale.

HON. WILLIAM UAl.L YALE occupies a
foremost position at the Bar of Winona
County, having a high reputation as a
lawyer, not only in the county seat, where he
makes his home, but tliroughoiit the state. lie
comes of a family prominent in history as among
the founders of Yale College, which was named in
honor of one of his ancestors, a wealth}' gentleman
who made liberal donations to the school in the
days of its infancy and helped to place it on a
firm financial basis. The following on his louib-
stone attests his worthy character:

"EriTAi'ii OK Kmif Yam;, who duck .Iri.v 22. 1721.

"Interked at Whkxham, in IJESitii;iisiiii!K, Walks.

o

"Born in America, in Europe bred.

In Africa travell'd, and in Asia wed.

Where long he lived .ind Ihriv'd, at London, dead.

Much good, some ill. he did; we hope that all's

even.
And that liis soul thro' mercy's gone to Heaven.

"You that survive and read, take care
For this most certain exit to prepare;
For only the actions of the just
Smell sweet and blossom in the dust."

Tl'e first generation in America of the Yale
family were children of David and Ann Yale, na-
tives of Wales, who settled in New Haven, Conn.,
in 1637. Thomas Yale removed to Wallingford,

Conn., in 1670. He was the father of Capt. Thomas
Yale, and tliose who followed in direct descent
were Theophilus, Eliliu, Eliliu, .Stephen and Bena-
jah Yale, the last-named being the grandfather of
William Hal! Yale. He was a n.ilive of Walllng-
foid, and a shoemaker by trade. He died at the
age of fi ft}' five years. Among his five children
was Wooster Yale, a native of the Nutmeg State,
who became a very extensive shoe manufacturer
of Wallingford, where he carried on business for a
number of years. On his retirement from that
enterprise he removed to New Haven and opened
a lottery exchange office. He was made Deputy
Sheriff of the county, and. on account of the ill-
ness of his superior, virtually served as Sheriff.
Subsequently he returned to Wallingford and set-
tled upon the old farm on which his ancestor,
Thomas Yale, had located in 1670, He there died
in 1842, at the .ige of forty-five. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Lucy Hall, p.issed awa}'
in New Haven in 1891. Had she lived three
months longer she would have celebrated hernine-
tietli birthday. With the Congregational Church
she held membership. To .Mr. and Mi's. Yale were
born ten children, five sons and five daughters, of
whom six are yet living: Esther C., born in 1823;
George W., in 1826; Wilhain II., in 1831; Edwin
A., in 1834; Mary C, who was l>orn in 1836, and
is the widow of (ieurge Nolt, of .New Haven; and
Susan L.. wife of Henry I'lalt, born in 1811.

W. II. Yale was Iwrn in New Haven, Novomber
12, 1831, and there made his home until six years

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

243

of age, wlien witli his parents he went to Walling-
ford. Tlircc years hiter lie went to live in tlie
town of North Uranford, Conn., with a farmer by
the name of Baldwin, with whom he remained
until thirteen \ear.< of age. While there he took
advantage of the opportunities offered by a good
library, and obtained a fair knowledge of books.
When a lad of thirteen he returned to his home in
New Haven and worked in a paint shop for a time,
after which he again attended school, entering the
Connecticut Literary Institution alSuflield, CV>nn..
where he studied three years, earning his own liv-
ing in the mean time. At about the age of eight-
een he went to Norwalk, and taught school there
for about five years, studying law a part of the
tune. The Sharp Rifle Manufactory of Hartford,
Conn., was just then being established and was in
need of a bookkeeper. Out of one hundred and
fifty applicants he received the preference and was
given a salary of ?700 per year, but siib^iquently
his salar\- was increased to 1 1,200, which was re-
garded as very large wages in those days.

In March, 1857, Mr. Yale came to Winona,
where he has since made his home, and during the
entire time has been engaged in the practice of
law, winning a large and liberal patronage and
gaining the confidence and respect of his clients
and all with whom he has been brought in contact.
He has been honored with a number of offices. In
the spring of IH.iH he ran for City Justice on the
Republican ticket, and was the only Republican
on the ticket elected. In 1859, while still serv-
ing in that position, he was elected Judge of the
Probate Court, serving for a short time. In 1860
he wa.s nominated for County Attorney-, and, win-
ning in the contest for the oflice, served for two
year.", and in 1864 he was re-elected for a second
term of two years. In 1H66 he was nominated for
the State Senate and carried the election by a vote
of two to one. In 1869 he was nominated for the
position of Lieutenant-Governor, and received a

larger majority than any one on the ticket. After
serving for two years, he was re-elected by the
largest majority given to any candidate at that
election, and filled the position until 1874. In 1876
he was again elected to the State Senate from the
Eighth District, serving for two years. He was a
delegate to the Republican National Convention
in 1876, and in 1892 to the National Republican
Convention held in the city of Minneapolis. Mr.
Yale w.as re-elected State Senator November 6,
1894, by a handsome majority, in a county largely
Democratic.

Turning from the public to the private life of
Mr. Yale, the records show that in 1852 he was
united in marriage with Jliss Sarah E. Banks,
daughter of Bradly O. Banks, of Norwalk, Conn.
They had one son, Charles B., a lawyer, and
General Claim Agent at St. Paul for the Great
Northern Railroad, which now reaches to the Pa-
cific Ocean. He married Miss Minnie Huntington,
of Milwaukee. Mrs. Sarah E. Yale died in Octo-
ber, 1871, and her loss was deeply mourned by
many friends, .she was a member of the Episcopal
Church, with which Mr. Yale has been identified
for forty-five years. In October, 1872, he was
again married, his second union being with Mary
L. Iloyt, daughter of Charles and Mar}- (Iloyt)
Ho3't. They have one son, William Ho^'t Y'ale.

Mr. Yale has been a resident of Winona for
thirty-seven years. He has a state reputation as a
lawyer, and has a national reputation as a cham-
pion of Republican principles in the Northwest.
In the ofliccs which he has been called upon to
fill he has ever been found true and faithful to
his party's interests and to the people who hon-
ored him by their votes. While in the Senate he
was often complimented on his fluent and eloquent
speeches, and was recognized as a power on what-
ever side of the ((uestion he w;is found. His ora-
tory has also won him success at the Bar, for it is
the robe of logical argument and clear thought.

244

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lyman B. Cox.

■r YMAN B. COX, a farmer and stock-raiser,
I O owns and operates a good farm on sections
5 and 8, Saratoga Township. It is a val-
uable tract of land, comprising four hundred and
fifteen acres, and the greater part of it is under a
high state of cultivation. The place is neat and
thrifty in appearance, the fields are well tilled, and
there are found all the accessories and conven-
iences of a model farm.

The owner of this desirable propertj- wa^ born
in Pierrepont, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., April
2, 1828. His father, Benjamin Cox, was a native
of Vermont, and was of English lineage. His
mother bore the maiden name of Mary Bowman.
In their family were the following children: Cor-
delia, now deceased; Caroline, wife of C. Wheelock,
a resident of Green Bay, Wis.; Orvilla, who died
in 1850; ,Iane, who died December 25, 1893; Ly-
man B.; Isabella, who died in September, 1876;
Lucy, who died in 1872, and one who died in in-
fancy. The mother of this family having been
called to the home beyond, Benjamin Cox was
again married, his second union being with Clar-
issa Walker, by whom he liad two children: Dan-
iel, who makes his home in Fonddu Lac, Wis.; and
Edna, wife of Levi Crandall, who is living in
Humboldt, Iowa.

No event of special importance occurred during
the childhood and youth of Mr. Cox, of this sketch.
He attended the public schools of the neighbor-
hood until he bad attained his majority, thus ac-
quiring a fair business education. He then started
out in life for himself, and from that time until

the present daj' has relied entirely upon bis own
efforts, so that his success is the reward of worthy
labor. He first earned his livelihood by work-
ing as a farm hand, being thus employed until
the fill! of 1847, when he emigrated to Wisconsin,
making the journey by the Lakes and stage to Green
Bay. There he remained for nine months, after
which he returned to New York, where he engaged
in farming until 1851.

In the 3'ear 1853 Mr. Cox sought a home in
Indianapolis, Ind., but after about a nine-months
stay in that city he again changed his place of
residence and Winona County thereb}' secured a
valued citizen. He located in Saratoga Township,
on the farm where he now lives, pre-empting first
a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section
8. Only about ten acres of this land had been
broken, but with chnracterislie energy he began its
further development, and with ox-teams he placed
the land under the plow and transformed the once
wild tract into rich and fertile fields. He erected
a log cabin 16x20 feet in dimensions, in which he
lived in true pioneer style for a number of leai-s.
At length the pioneer home was replaced by a
more modern structure, and his further labors
added to the place all the improvements of a
model farm of the nineteenth century.

Mr. Cox was married on the 3d of .liiue, 1852,
to Miss Esther H. Cox, and by their union were
born four children: F'rancis M., Benjamin C, Mary
E. and .lulia E., all of whom are still living and
are yet under the parental roof.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

245

In his political affiliations Mr. Cox has been

a Republican since 1860. His first I'rcsidential
vote, however, was cast for .lames Huchanan. He
has served in several local oHIees, having been
Supervisor, Township Treasurer and Assessor, and
in all of these positions he has discharged his duties

with a promptness and fidelity which have won him
high commendation. Socially he isconncctcd with
the Masonic order. All who know him esteem him
highl}' for his sterling worth and strict integrity,
and in the history of his adopted county he well
deserves representation.

Sylvester Gardner.

YLVESTER GARDNER, who is engaged in
general farming and horticulture on sec-
tion 32. Homer Township, his residence be-
ing in the village of Homer, was born on a farm at
Bennington, Vt., April 28, 1830, and is a son of
Abel and Amy Gardner. They, too, were natives
of the Green Mountain State, and for many years
the father carried on farming near Bennington. His
death occurred about 1870. The mother died
when Sylve-ster was about fifteen years of age, and
was buried in New York. This worthy couple had
a family of eight children, but Harriet Lillie and
Electa are deceased. Those still living are: Syl-
vester, of this sketch; Abel, who now makes his
home in Montana; .lulia Card, a resident of New
York; Alpha, wlm is located in Winona; Samanllia
Lillie, of New York; and .\iina Hakes, also of the
Empire Slate.

The subject of this sketch spent the first eighteen
years of his life in the state of his nativity. Ins
time being devoted to farm work and to study in
the district schools of the neigliboriiood. ( )n leav-
ing home he started westward, and made a loca-
tion in Green County, Wis., where he remained
for three yeai-s. On the expiration of that period
he returned to Broome Coiintv, N. Y., where he

spent the succeeding four years, and liien came tf)
Minnesota, locating on the farm where he now
makes his home. Here he began carpenter work,
which he followed until 1861, when he went to
Chippewa Falls, Wis., and was a filer in the saw-
mills at that place until the 4th of July of that
year, when he lost his right arm, and was forced
to give up his position. In 1865 he returned to
Winona County, and worked on the county roads
for a number of years, making new and repair-
ing old roads until about 1882, when he turned
his attention to agricultural pursuits. Ho owns a
good tract of land of seventy-one acres, and is en-
gaged in general farming, and in raising berries
of all kinds, which he sells to the home market.

On the 20th of May, 1854, Mr. (iardner married
Charity Decker, daughter of Aaron Decker. The
lady was a native of New York, and her father,
with his family, came to Winona County in 1855,
locating in the town of Homer. He became a well-
to-do farmer, and owned a valuable tract of land.
Mr. Decker was born September 10, 18(12, and his
wife, ElizalH'th Wells, was born thine 20, 1807.
They were united in marriage .luly 6, 1823. The
former died September 17, 1867; and the latter
Septemljer 17, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Decker became

246

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tlip iiaiciits of twelve eliildreii : Aaidii, Jr., who was
born Kel)iuary 10, 182.0, aTul died Mareli 15, 1882;
Sarah E., horn Januar.y 11, 1827, and died Octo-
ber 19, 1839; Ilanna L., born April 2, 1829, and
died December 24. 1864; Moses, born May 19.
1831, and died December 19, 1877; Peter, born
August 21, 1833, and died May 31, 1889; Charity
A., the wife of our subject, born .laniiary 3, 1836;
Clarissa, March 8, 1838; Mary, born July 14, 1840,
and died .Inly 11, 1841; Elizabeth, born May 5,
1842, and died July 14, 1842; Eliiis C, born No-
vember 20, 1843, and died March 26, 1871; Har-
riett E., born September 14, 1847; and Albert
James, born June .5, 1851, and died ()ctol)er 4,
1864.

To Mr. and Mrs. Gardner were born five chil-
dren, but only two are now living. Mrs. Eliza
Rogers, born Ajiril 20, 1855, is now a resident of

Winona. Mrs. Samantha Nasii, born June G, 1858,
makes her home in the same -city. Nellie, born
July 20, 1865, died May 7, 1891. Sylvester, born
June 16, 1870. died in September, 1873 One died
in infancy.

In his political atliliations Mr. Gardner is a Re-
publican. He has served both as Supervisor and
Constable, and is now filling the office of School
Director, in which capacity he has served for twelve
years. The cause of education finds in him a
warm friend, and his public duties are ever dis-
charged with promptness and fidelity. He had
but limited advantages in his youth, educational
or otherwise, but he has made the most of his
opportunities, and being possessed of energy and
a strong determination to succeed, he has worked
his way stea<lily upward to prosperity, being now
a well-to-do farmer.

Samuel E. Cotton.

AMUEL E. COTTON, one of the honored
pioneer settlers of Winona County, now
living c)n a farm on section 11, Rolling
Stone Township, dates his residence here from
1852. The county was then only a frontier settle-
ment, in which the work of progress and civiliza-
tion was hardly begun, and in its development
and advancement he has ever borne his part. He
therefore well deserves mention among Its found-
ers, and this volume woiild be incomplete with-
out his sketch.

Mr. Cotton was born in Ellsworth, N. II., Sep-
tember 19, 1821, and is the only survivor in a
family of three children, of whom he was tlie sec-

ond in order of birth. The parents were Samuel and
Mary (Eolsome) Cotton. The father was born and
reared upon a farm in Gilford, N. II., and devoted
his life to agricultural and mercantile pui'snits.
His death occurred at the ripe old age of eighty-
eight years. For several generations his ancestors
have lived in the I'nited States, and their ances-
try could be traced b.ick to Rev. .lohn Cotton, of
Boston, whose father was an English lawyer, and
who came to the Tnited Stjites in the early days
of the Colonies. Mrs. Cotton, mother of our sub-
ject, was also a native of Gilford, and her death
occurred in Dover. N. H., at abour the age of
thirty years. She was of Welsh extraction.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

247

Samuel Cotton attended tlic conuiion and liigli
schools until about eiglileen years of ajjc. when he
ship|)ed before the mast and for three years sailed
on the high seas. He was on a sailing-vessel which
at one voyage captured lifty whales. He then
s])ent four years in sailing to Kurope, after which
he turned his attention to land pursuits, learning
llie molder's trade in (ireat Falls. N. II., in which
Irade he was later em))loyed in Hoston and Lowell,
.Mass., and Dover and Laconia, N. II., until the
spring of 1852. In that year he came to the West.
He had heard of the advantages and privileges
afforded in Minne.sota and the opportunities for
securing a home, so in April he left New York
City, and on the Illi of May reached Minnesota
City, coming as one of the members of the Western
Farm and Village Association of New York, which
numbered about two hundred people. There was
only one house in Minnesota City at the time,
and two little shanties where Winona now stands.
The land had not been surveyed by the Govern-
ment, and the treaty with the Indians had been
passed but not ratified. The little New York col-
ony laid ont the village of Minnesota City, and
Mr. Cotton built him a house on a lot therein.
.\fter the farm lands were surveyed he secured one
hundred and sixty .icrcs on the prairie near Utica,
about sixteen miles west of his present home.
'1 here he did his first plowing, but never i)lanted
any crops at that place. Returning to Minnesota
City, he secured eighty acres adjoining the village
limits, ])art of which he sold in 1858. He then
purchased the farm upon which he has resided
continuously since.

On the 28tli of October, 1H47, Mr. Cotton was
united in marriage with Miss .Sarah A. Roberta,
wlio WIS born in Berwick, Me., September 10,1828.
With her husband she came West, and here resided
until her death, which occurred October 21(, 1893.
Her parents were of Knglish and Irish extraction.
To Mr. and .Mrs. Cotton were born nine children.

of wiiom two died in infancy. Nell is now the
wife of Thomas Thorpe, of West Sujierior, Wis.;
.lolin E. is engaged in the operation of the old
homestead; Charles Henry occupies the responsible
))Osition of foreman in Bemis Bros.' bag factory of
Minneapolis; George Walter is a foreman in the
Winona Wagon Works of Winona; Fred R. is a
telegraph operator in Minnesota; Herbert F. holds
a responsible position with the Winona Wagon
Works; and Frank L. is on the home farm.

Mr. Cotton is a Republican in politics. When
Winona County was organized, however, he was
electe<i Probate .ludge. Justice of the Peace and
Assessor on the Democratic ticket, lie served as
Assessor of the county when there were only three
people in his district to assess. He w.<is appointed
Postmaster of Minnesota City under Buchanan, the
second to fill that ortice, and thus served until 1857,
when he resigned, but for many years past he has
served .r« Assistant Postmaster. In 1860 he voted
for Abraham Lincoln, and has since been a stalwart
Republican. In 1853 he was elected Justice of the
Peace, and has held that office almost continuously
since. He has also served in other local official
positions, and in the discharge of his public duties
has ever been found faithful and true.

Mr. Cotton has succeeded in his business deal-
ings and now owns a valuable farm of two hun-
dred acres, which is pleasantly situated a mile from
Minnesota City. It is, however, operated by his
sons, while he gives his attention to his duties
as Assistant Postmaster and .Justice of the Peace.
He is one of the oldest settlers in the county, there
probably being not more than three who located
here ere his arrival. He has seen the wild lands
transformed into beautiful homes and farms, has
seen towns and villages spring into existence, has
watched their transformation into cities, has known
the hardships and trials of pioneer life, and has
ever been found a valuable citizen, ready to aid
ill all worthy )>uhlic enterprises.

■2 IK

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Lucius Brainard.

LUCIUS BRAINARD. who lias served in
C) various olKcial positions and been promi-
nent in the public affairs of the commu-
nity in which he lives, now resides in Warren
Township, where he owns and operates a good
farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections
28 and 33 The place is well improved with good
buildings and other accessories of a model farm,
the fields are well tilled, and there is a four-acre
grove of maple, walnut and butternut trees, which
were plauted by his hand and stand as a monu-
ment to his progressive spirit.

Mr. Brainard was born in Caledonia Country,
Vt., on the 1st of May, 1824, and is a son of Ira
and Verona (Taylor) Brainard. He is the elder
of two children, and his brother George yet resides
in Vermont. Tlie father was a native of the Green
Mountain State, and was of English descent. For
some years he carried on merchandising in Dan-
ville, doing a successful business, and was also
President of the Caledonia Bank at that place.

Lucius Brainard was reared in his native town
of Danville, attended the put)lic schools and com-
pleted his education at Phillip's Academy. He
began to earn his own livelihood when eighteen
years of age, entering a woolen factory with the
intention of learning the trade. For six years he
worked in woolen-mills, after which he was em-
ployed on the Vermont & Massachuseltji Railroad,
and followed that work until 1855, in which year
he started for the West. The journey was made
by rail and team, and at length he reached War-

ren Township, Winona County, where he made a
location, pre-empting (me hundred and sixty acres
of land, which constitutes his present fine farm.
It was oak openings, and there he built a small log
cabin, 10x12 feet in dimensions, in which he lived
for one year. He then erected a frame house.
16x18 feet, and at <:>nee turned his attention to
the development of the land. lie began breaking
prairie with ox-teams, planted crops, and in course
of time the rich soil yielded a good return. He
was one of the earlj- settlers of the neighborhood,
and the county was largely unimproved. Winona
contained only one store, and man\' of the now
thriving villages had not then sprung into ex-
istence.

Mr. Brainard was married on the 1st of May.
1845, to Miss Emily B. Wright, and to them have
been born six children, viz.: Ge<irge, who now aids
in the operation of the home farm; Ira L., who died
on the lltli of September, 1848; Frank .1., who fol-
lows farming at home; Emily J., formerly the wife
of John W. Geeslin, an agriculturist of Warren
Townsliip; Ira C, who was killed February 8, 1894,
by a freight train in the North- Western yards at
Winona; and William IL, who died on the 17th
of July. 1877. Emily J. Geeslin <iied .luly 17.
IHOt.

lUitli .Mr. and Mrs. Brainard, who are menil>ers of
the Methodist Church, take nn active part in its
work and are deejily interested in its welfare. For
twenty-live years Mr. Brainard has been .*^uperin-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

210

tendent of the Sunday-school. Everything calcu-
lated to elevate humanity receives his approval
and support, and he is recognized as a man whose
life is worthy of emulation. Socially he is con-
nected with the Masonic fraternity, and in poli-

tics be is a Republican. Prior to the organization
of that party he supported the Whig i)art3'. He
lias held the oflice of Chairman of the Board of
Supervisors, and has also been Assessor and Con-
stable.

C. C. Chapman.

0 c. CHAPMAN, who is now serving as
Postmaster of Minnesota City, was born
in London, England, on the 11th of .Sep-
tefliber, 1832, and is a son of P^gberl Chapman,
who was born in Glastonbury, England, and be-
came an attorney-at-law. Having attained to years
of maturity-, he married Miss Reliecca Payne, a na-
tive of Essex, England. In IH.OO he bade adieu to
friends and native land and with his fainllv sailed
for the New World, locating lirsl on Long Island,
where for two years he made his home. In .June,
1H.J2, he came to Winona County, as a member of
the New York Farm and Village Association, en-
tered land, and resided thereon for a year. He
then made a claim in Minnesota City, which he
continued to cultivate and improve for a number
of years, transforming it into a rich and valuable
farm. He now makes his home with his son, the
efficient Postmaster of Minnesota City. Although
he has reached the very advanced age of ninety
years, his faculties are but slightly impaired, and
he is a well preserved man. For a number of
years he served as Justice of the Peace, and is well
known throughout the county as one of its hon-
ored pioneers and valued citizens. His wife, who
was a meml>er of the Baptist Church for some

time and a most estimable lady, was called to her
final rest when eighty-five years of age.

C. C. Chapman is the eldest in a family of ten
children. His early boyhood years were largely
jiassed in the schoolroom, and at the age of sixteen
he entered a shoe factory in London, where he
served an apprenticeship until twenty-one ^yearsof
age, when, in a sailing-vessel, he crossed the briny
deep to tlie New World, whither his parents had
preceded him. In October, 1853. he came West,
and was engaged in farming near Minnesota City
until the winter of 18.'»fi. when he went to the
western part of the stale with a surveying party
eiig.nired in laying tlic di vision lines between coun-
ties. At the time of the Indian outbreak he was
at .Spirit Lake, and was conimlssionod Second Lieu-
tenant of what was known as the Watonwan Hides.
Mr. Chapman continued in the .service for about
eighteen months, and then returned to his home at
Minnesota City, after which he engaged in farm-
ing until his enlistment for the late war.

On the 18th of August, IHr.2, Mr. Chapman re-
sponded to the President's call for three-years
troops, and joined the boys in blue of Company
H. Seventh Minne-ola Infantry, of which he was
made .Sergeant. He w.as pieseni at the battle of

250

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RFXORD.

Birch Coolie. He leniained in llic s^civiec imlil
the close of the war, and at llie lialllc of Wood
Lake was wounded by a giinsliot in tiie right wrist,
which prevented liiui from taiiin^ part in active
service for a time. He was afterward on delaclied
service until tlie close of tlie war, for his injury
prevented tiie use of tlie right arm. After the
surrender of Lee and the cessation of hostilities,
he returned to Minnesota, where he once more re-
sumed agricultural pursuits.

In 18G'J iMr. Chapman went to Arkansas, where
he was appointed County Assessor by Oovernor
Baxter, tlius serving for two years and a-half. He
was then postal clerk on the Memphis & Little
Rock Railroad for four 3-ears, carrying the mail at
the time of the siege of 3ellow fever in the former
city. He next gave his attention to the manage-
ment of a plantation which he purchased near
Forest City, Ark., and which was his home until

1880, when he sold out and returned lo Minnesota
City. The following year he was appointed Post-
master, in which position he has served continu-
ously since with credit to himself and satisfaction
to his constituents.

Oil the SOtli of May, 1860, Mr. Chapman was
united in marriage with Miss Emma Horner, a na-
tive of Knghind. In politics he is a Up|niljlican,
unswerving in his allegiance to the party and its
principles. He has always taken an .active inter-
est in political affairs, and keeps well informed on
the issues of the day. For several years he has
served as district school clerk, and the cause of
education finds in him a warm friend. Sociall3' he
is connected with John Ball Post No. 20, G. A. R.,
of Winona. A worthy representative of one of
the honored pioneer families of the county, a vet-
eran of the late war, a valued citizen and a man of
sterling worth, he well deserves representation in
this volume.

Joseph P. Schmitz.

JOSEPH P. SCHMITZ, a leader in business
circles in Winona, is at the, head of the well
known firm of Schmitz A- Co., wholesale and
retail dealers in saddlery- and saddlery- hard-
ware. The record of bis life is as follows: He was
born in Chicago, 111., on the 1 1th of August, 1818,
and is a son of Ludwig and Susan (Wirtz) Schmitz.
The father was a native of Prussia, born in 1805,
and in that country lived until about middle life,
when he emigrated to the I'nited States and took
up his residence in Chicago, where his remaining
days were passed. He was a harness-maker b^'
trade, and all of his sons learned that business and

are yet engaged in some department of the work.
Mr. Schmitz died in 1850. at the age of forty-five
years. His wife, who long survived him, passed
away .lanuary 3, 18;il, at the age of eighly-threc
years. She was born in Prussia in thcj'ear 1808, and
with her husband came lo the I'nited States. This
worthy couple were the parents of nine children,
eight of whom arc yet living, namely: John, who
now resides in Clinton, Iowa; Anna, wife of M.
Mcrtes, of Winona; Peter J., of Montana; Henry,
a resident of Janesville, Wis.; Joseph P., of this
sketch; Margaret, wife of Frank Curtis, of Ne-
vada, Story County, Iowa; Herl)ert. who is io

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

251

cated in Clinton, Iowa; and Mary, wife of Cjtus
Bond, a resident of Iowa Falls, Iowa.

Our subject spent the first seven years of his
life in liis native city, and then accompanied the
family on tiieir removal to Newport, Wis., where
he lived until eleven years of age, when he be-
came a resident of Kilbouin City, Wis. There the
succeeding five years of his life were passed, and
at the age of sixteen he returned to Chicago, where
he worked at the carpenter's trade for about a
year. His next place of residence was in St. Louie,
where he was engaged in making cartridge boxes
and saddle bags for army use for six months. On
the expiration of that period he again went to
Chicago, but after a short time returned to Kil-
bourn City.

The spring of 1865 witnessed the arrival of Mr.
Schmitz in Winona. Here he began making col-
lars in the collar factory of his brother, Peter .1.
Schmitz, with whom he remained for about three
years, when his health failed him and he went on
a hunting and trapping expedition down the river,
going as far as Burlington, Iowa. A year was
thus passed, and the out-door exercise proved very
benelicial,he entirely recovering his health. After
his return to Winona, be joined his brother, P. .1.
Schmitz. in the manufacture of horse collars, which
they sold at wlioli'sale. The partnership continued
for a 3'ear, when Joseph bought out his brother's
interest and was alone in business for two years.
The old partnership wjw then resumed for a short
time, but afterward lie was again sole proprietor,
until he admitted to the business H. W. Cooper,
under the (irni name of Schmitz A- Cooper, which
partnership continued for five years. He then
bought out Mr. Cooper, and during the succeeding

year was again alone in business. In 1882 he
added a stockof saddlery hardware, and continued
to sell to the wholesale trade under his own name,
having no partner until 1890, when his nephew,
Henrj' H. Schmitz, was admitted to the business,
under the firm name of .Joseph P. Schmitz it Co.
To the experience, judgment and sagacity of the
older man are added the enterprise and progressive
ideas of the younger, and the firm is therefore a
strong one, which has the confidence of the com-
munity and is enjo3'ing a liberal patronage.

In November, 1872. Mr. Schmitz was united in
marriage with Miss Annie Wood, a native of Eng-
land, and a daughter of James and Betsj' Wood.
Her father was superintendent in a cotton-cloth
factory in his native land until about middle life,
when he bade adieu to home and friends, and with
his family sailed for America. For five years he
engaged in farming in eastern Wisconsin, and then
removed to Kilbourn City, Wis., where he made
his home during the succeeding eight years. His
last days were passed near Mauston, Wis., where
he died at an advanced age. To Mr. and Mrs.
Schmitz have been born two daughters: Mabel V.
and Edie Maud.

In his political views .Mr. Schmitz has been a
Republican since attaining his majority. He be-
longs to Winona Lodge No. 18, M. W. A., but
takes no very prominent part in civic societies.
In 1893 he completed on East Wabasha Street one
of the most handsome residences in the city, an<i
in that beautiful home now lives with his wife and
daughters. He is one of the successful manufac-
turers of the city, and through good management
and diligence has gained prosperity.

QL-O

^%

252

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

John Valentine.

JOHN VALENTINE, one of the representa-
tive farmers and pioneers, now living on sec-
tion 3, Rolling Stone Township, comes from
the Emerald Isle. His parents were Jolin
and Charlotte (Jones) Valentine. The fatiier was
born in Dublin, Ireland, and was a tanner by trade.
In 1849, accompanied by his wife and five children,
he crossed the Atlantic to the New World, and
made settlement in New Orleans. Subsequently
he went u|) the river to Burlington. Iowa, where
he engaged in the tanning business until the sjjring
of 185,5, when he came to Minnesota and made a
claim, securing as his land the site of the |)resent
village of Roiling Stone. After a year, liowever,
he sold out and purchased a farm in Mt. \'ernon
Township, where his remaining days were passed.
Previous to this time he liad never carried on ag-
ricultural ])ursuits, luit lie was industrious and en-
terprising, ))r(jfited by tiie experience of others,
gained a knowledge of the occupation as he could,
and in course of time found himself the owner of
a very valuable farm, comprising three hundred
acres of ricii land. Ills death occurred on the old
homestead, at the age of seventy-two. His wife,
who is also a native of Dublin, yet resides at the
old home, at the ago of seventy-six years.

This worthy couple were the parents of six chil-
dren. Margaret, the eldest, is the wife of P. Pres-
ton, a farmer residing in Winona C'ounty; Char-
lotlii is the wife of Peter Giddinger, who is located
ill Worth County, Iowa; William is the next
younger, and is now an attorney-al-law of Wi-
uoua; one sister lias passed away; and niiothcr child
died ill infancy.

John Valentine also claims Dublin as the place
of his birth, and the date of that important event
is October 20, 1844. He was a child of only five
summers when his ])arents bade adieu to the Emer-
ald Isle and sailed for America. At the age of
eleven he became a resident of Winona County,
where he has since made his home. He was reared
amid the wild scenes of the frontier, for this was
then a pioneer settlement, and soon became famil-
iar with the arduous task of developing a farm.
To his father he gave the benefit of his services
until about thirty years of age. He received a
good common-school education, and has kept him-
self well informed on the issues and subjects of the
day by extensive reading.

On the l.Stli of November, 1875. Mr. Valentine
was joined in wedlock with Miss Catherine O'Con-
iier, who was born in Ireland, and when a young
girl came to the United States. Four children
graced this union, but only two are now living:
John Edward, at home; and Eugene, wlio was born
July "21.1884. Walter died at the age of two years,
and Herbert died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Valentine began their domestic life
ujion the farm which is yet their home. He has
long been numboifd among the most progressive
agriculturists of the community, and is now the
owner of more than one thousand acres of land in
Wiiuma County. The home place comprises three
hundred acres, and is a most valuable and desira-
ble jiroperty. The fields are well tilled, excellent
improvements have been made, and the place is
supplied with all the accessories and conyeniences
of a model farm of the nineteenth century. Mr.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

253

Valentine carries on general farming and stock-
raising, and also deals in grain in Rolling Stone.
Willi Oak Grove Lodge No. 15, Order of Druids,
of Winona, Mr. Valentine holds membership. In
politics he is a Democrat, and the principles of
the party receive his sUilwart support. For man\
years he has served as Chairm.in of the Board of
Supervisors of his township, a position which he

yet fills, and at this writing he is also serving as
School Treasurer. He is a diligent man, possessed
of good business and executive ability, and his
well directed efforts have brought him a success
which is richly deserved. His life demonstrates
what can be accomplished by perseverance and
good management, and furnishes an example well
worthy of emulation.

Philip Biesanz.

I^llll-ir BIE.SANZ, one of the representative
citizens of Winona Township, living on
section 30, is the ownerof abrickj-ard and
quarry. He was born in Buffalo, N. Y., on the 8th
of July, 1842, and is one of a family of eight chil-
dren, and is of French descent. His parents, .lohn
and Maty (Leberel) Biesanz, were both natives of
France. When a young man of twenty-two, the
falliei- bade adieu to the friends and home of his
childhood and crossed the ocean to the New
World. He settled lirst in Buffalo, N. Y., where
he eMil)arked in the manufacture of l)rick, which
he successfully carried on for the long jieriod of
thirty yeai-8. He then moved to the West, going
to Dubuque, Iowa, in the vicinity of that city pur-
clmsiiig a farm, on which he spent his remaining
days, lie die<l at the advanced age of eighty-two
years, and many friciitis mourned his los.s, for he
W.1S a highly respecU^d citizen. Mis wife passed
away at the age of lifty-two.

(^uii'lly were the boyliood day-, nf .Mc. Bie.saiiz
p;iS'iMl. His lime was taken up by play and work,
and by ^tudy in tlie coiiunon schools, where he ac-
quired a fair Knglisii education. In his father's
brickyard he also learned the trade to which he

now devotes much of his time and attention. He
remained at home until twenty-two years of age,
when, in .September, 1864, he enlisted in his coun-
try's service, and was .issigned to Company C of
the P'ifth Iowa Cavalry, in which lie served until
the close of the war. He participated in the battle
of N;i.slivillc, and went acro.ss the country withliis
command. When hostilities had ceased, the South
having laid down its arms, he received an honora-
ble discharge from the service, and leturiied to his
home.

Soon after, Mr. Biesanz i-anie to Winona, and for
seven years W(jrked by the inoiilh in dilTerent lirick-
yards. He had become familiar with the business
while at home, and .is he was an expert workman,
his M-rvices were always in demand. At length he
lioiiglit out his employer, and h.as since engaged in
business in his o\vn interest. He li.ns a large kiln,
and turns out about two million brick per year,
which, being of a superior quality, linds a ready sale
in the market. He also has a large stone-quarry,
one of the best in the county, ami carries on a
stoneyard in the city of Winona.

In DecemlKM-, 18G;>. Mr. Biesanz married Mi.ss
Cynthia Salisbury, of Winona, and eight children

254

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

graced their union, hut Samuel, the second, died at
the age of twelve j'ears. Tlie others, who are Liz-
zie, Charles, Frank, Frederick, Leona, William and
Flossie, are all yet at ht)me. The family is widely
and favorably known in this community, and tlie
household is noted for its hospitality.

Mr. Hiesanz exercises iiis right of franchise in
support of the Re|)ublican party, and (irmly be-
lieves that its principles will produce the best re-
sults for the nation. lie has l)een lionored by his
fellow-townsmen with several local otlices, having
served as Supervisor of his township for two terras,
and as Town Treasurer for two terras. Socially
he is connected with the Ancient Order of United

Workmen, and with the Order of Druids of Wi-
nona, and in religious belief is a Catholic. He now
owns two hundred and six acres of land, and is
doing a good business, which has made him one of
the substantial citizens of the community'. He
started out in life for himself, working bj- the
niontli, and thus labored until by industry, econ-
omy and perseverance he had acquired a sufficient
capital to begin an enterprise of his own. He has
trusted not to good fortune, but has made the
most of his opportunities, and by determined ef-
fort has overconnc the difficulties and obstacles in
his path. Thus luas he become one of the repre-
sentative business men of the community'.

HON JOHN I.riiWK".

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

257

^•^^^n^»^^^^^n^^^^^^^.^^■^.^.^■ ■»» ^ t.C. . v., _>«^

•H:+*+*+<-4- •t+4-+ ^.+^- Jr

Hon. John Ludwig. #^ t

++++++++++++++++•{- -^

++++++++++++++++<.

HON. JOHN LUDWIG, who is |)i(.minenll.v
connected with the business interests of
Winona, is now President of the German
AiiuMitun l'>ani<. He has been connected with
other enterprises in tiie city, and has liiereby aided
in the growth and development of Winona and iii
((romoling its material prosperity. The record of
his life is as follows: He was horn in Canach, Lu.\-
emburg, Germany, on the 'iotli of Seplcmher,
1839, and is a son of Martin and Mary (Molbach)
Ludwig, tx)th of whom spent their entire lives in
that country. The father, who was an architect
and contractor, did a good business and was recog-
nized as one of the leading citizens in the com-
munity in which he ni»de his home. He visited
America four times, but never made a permaiionl
settlcrnent in the New World. :iri(i died in his
native land at the age of si.\ty-.si'veii.

•lohn I, lid wig first came to this country in l«;"iO,

being then a young man of sixteen years. lie had

acquired a good education in his native land, and

after starting out in life for himself he resolved to

9

try liis fortune in .America, having heard iiiucii of
the advantages and privileges here afforded. He
made a location in Fond du Lac. Wis., where he
waseng.igod in merchandising until the breaking
out .if III,. w!ir. lie had studied with interest the
iliicslioii whicii brought on the struggle, the atti-
tude (if botli the North and South, and believed
the President's policy was the only safe one for
the preservation of the Tnidn. Pi<impt€d by pa-
triotic ini|)ulses. he responded to the call for troops
and enlisted in Company C, of the Ninth Wiscon-
sin Infantry. Winle in Milwaukee he was ap-
pointed Corporal, and after serving for three years
he re-enlisted as Orderly -Sergeant. His meritorious
conduct won him further promotion, and in May,
1 «(■■;■). he was commis-sioncd Second Lieutenant. He
was alw.ays faithful t<i his duty, and for more than
four years followed the Old Flag, whieh now floats
triumphantly over the united nation. He was
mustered out at Little Ftock, Ark., on the .SOth of
.laiiiiary. 18fiC, having made an array record of
which he may well be proud.

258

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

On his return to the North Mr. Ludvvig settled
in Chicago, where lie engaged in the hotel Inisiness
for nearly two years. In 1867 he came to Winona
and embarked in tlie hotel business as proprietor
of the old Winona House. Later he built the fine
building on Third Street, known as Ludwig's
Hotel, and for many years there carried on op-
erations, doing a large business, which netted
him a good income. Earnestly desiring to please
his customers, he supplied his hotel vvitli all possi-
ble conveniences, and the hostelr}' was therefore
l)opular.

Vjve coming to Winona Mr. Ludwig was married,
having in 1865 wedded Miss Anna .Siegfried, of
Chicago. They have a family of seven children :
Elizabeth, wlio is a fine musician and a member of
the Chicago Lady C^uaitette; Charles M., now a
student in Rush Medical College; Ida, who was
graduated from the high sciiool in the Class of '94;
Mamie, a graduate of St. Mary's College; Winona,
who was graduated from a business college; Emma
and Otto.

In his political views Mr. Ludwig is a Demo-
crat of the most pronounced type. In 1877 he
was elected City Treasurer, and held the office for
three terms. For four terms he served as Mayor
of the city, and during his administration many
excellent and needed improvements were made.
The city water works were built, the roads were
greatly improved, the electric-light plant estab-
lished, also the street railway, all being in the
possession of the city. No administration has

proved of more substantial benefit than that of
Mr. Ludwig, and he has received many mementos
and testimonials from the people of Winona,
showing their appreciation of his earnest efforts in
behalf of public improvement and general advance-
ment. In 1888 he was a delegate-at-large to the
Democratic Convention in St. Louis, and was a
member of the committee appointed to notify
Grover Cleveland of his nomination for the Presi-
dency. In 1886 Mr. Ludwig was a candidate for
State Treasurer, and reduced the Republican ma-
jority of forty-five thousand fully one-half. In
1894 he was a candidate for Lieutenant-Governor.
In 1892 Mr. Ludwig established the German-
American Bank, which at that time was the only
German bank in southern Minnesota. He was
elected its President, and still serves in that ca-
pacity. It is to-daj- one of the leading financial
institutions of Winona, and is a monument to the
ability and enterprise of Mr. Ludwig, who is well
known as one of the able and enterprising business
men of this state. At tlie Liixemburgcr Congress
held in Ciiicago in the fall of 1893, he was elected
President of the association, which numbers its
members b^' the thousands, all over the United
Slates and Canada, and in 1894 was re-elected to
the same office. The sagacity and foresight which
have characterized Mr. Ludwig's business career
and been important factors in his success led him
to come to America, and the wisdom of his choice
of a home has been made manifest by the prosper-
ity that has crowned his efforts.

John Wunder.

J

OHN WUNDER is proprietor of a fine green-
house, situated at the corner of Kansas and
^^ Fifth Streets in Winona. TJiere he has three
and a-half lots, and has eight thousand feet
of ground under glass. He raises all kinds of
flowers, but makes a specialty of cut fiowers and

potted plants. The place is tastefully and conven-
iently arranged, and with an eye to tlie beautiful,
the colors being harmoniously blended, while llie
entire appearance of the phu'c tells of an owner
wlui thoroughly understands his business. The
j'reenhouse was established in (he vear 1866. in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

259

small quarters, 12x48 feet, but the facilities have
been constantly increased to meet the growing de-
mand, and the quarters are now extensive.

Mr. Wunder is a native of llolstein, Germany,
born on the 1st of November. 18.32. Ilis ciiild-
iiood and youth were passed in the Fatiierland,
where he acquired a common-sciiool education,
and also learned the florist's trade. He has always
been fond of (lowers, and is an adept in naniing
different varieties and s|)ecics, iiis own conserva-
tories being filled with many different kinds. In
the year 1851, when nineteen years of age, he bade
adieu to the home and friends of Ids cliildhood
and sailed for the New World. His father located
in l>avenport, Iowa, and he there made his home
until 1855, when he came to Winona. Here he
turned his attention to gardening for some time,
growing vegetables near Sugar Loaf, and shipping
them to neighboring markets until 18G6. lie still
owns the land on which he carried on this work.
When he abandoned gardening, lie ojieiied his
greenhouse, and has since carried on operations
along that line.

In 1879 Mr. Wunder was united in marriage
with Miss Elizabeti) Veith, a native of Hesse, Ger-
many, wiio came to this country a short time be-
fore her marriage. In 1891 he was called upon
to mourn her loss. She had been in delicate health
for some months before her death, but her last ill-
ness was of only eight days' duration. Since the
demise of Mrs. Wunder, Miss Ilettie Rohweder has
acted as house-keeper for her uncle, the subject of
this sketch.

Mr. Wunder votes with the Republican party,
which he has supported since his arrival in this
country. He belongs to only one civic society,
holding membershi]) with Oak Grove Lodge No.
15, A. O. D. Mr. Wunder has made the study of
plants a science, and is an expert florist. He has
not only a large trade in Winona, but also re-
ceives many orders from surrounding towns. He
has a greenhouse complete in all appointments,
heated by hot water, and is prepared to meet all
demands.

rirs. Mary E. Waterman.

MRS. .MARY K. WATERMAN, an estima-
ble lady, who resides in Rolling Stone
Township, claims New York as the state
of her nativity, her birth having occurred in Ot-
sego County, of the Empire Stale, on the 2Ktli of
October, 1828. She was the ninth child fn the fam-
ilv of Itornabus S. and Polly (Chase) Fuller, and
is the only surviving one. Her father was born in
New York, and spent his entire life as a farmer
near Albany, where his death occurred in his forty-

seventh 3ear. lie had inherited quite a large es-
tate from his father, and was a well-to-do man.
His ancestors were descendants of Sir Samuel Ful-
ler, who came to this liountry in the "Mayflower."
Mrs. Fuller was born in M.a.-sachiisett.s, and w.is a
daiighler of Josiah and Sarah Chase. The Chase
family also dates its origin in .Vmcrica back to tlie
landing of the "M.-iyllower," when William Ch.asc,
one of the Puritiin fathers, crossed the briny deep
to seek a home in the New World. His descend-

260

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ants are without rloiil)t tlic lisjtitful lieirs to the
Chase and Townley estate. The Chase family be-
longed to the nobility of England.

The lady of whom we write acquired her edu-
cation in her native state, and was reared in lier
New Yorlc lionie, remaining with her parents until
her marriage. On the 1st of November. 18.51, she
became the wife of Harrison 15. AVaternian, and in
the spring of 18.52 they remove<i to the West, lo-
cating uiion a claim in Winona County, Minn,
wliere stie has since resided. To them were born
nine children. George B. was born January 5,
1854, and died August 26, 1881. Clara E., who
was born September 11, 1855, died November 17,
1886. She was a highly educated lady, and for a
number of years was a successful teacher in the
Winona High School. Clarence Chase, born Jlarch
28, 1859, now manages the home farm. Amy E.,
born t)ctober 2, 1862, died August 17, 1864. Bon,

born August 6, 1864, is still living on the home
farm. Lillie and Rose, twins, were born April
3,1867. Rose died September 10, 1877, and Lil-
lie October 15, 1889. M. Edward, born March 8,
1869, was married, Marcli 28, 1893, to Clara Mil-
ton, and they have one child, George B. Harry,
born October 12, 1871, died March 22, 1873. The
children were all born on the homestead farm.

In 1882 Mr. and Mrs. Waterman were legally
separated, and the former is now living a retired
life in this county. When a young man he was
admitted to the Bar, and in an early day was quite
prominent. After coming to the West he was the
lirst Postmaster of Minnesota City. Mrs. Water-
man, with her three sons, is now living on her
good farm, eight miles from the city of Winona,
and in the community where she has so long made
her home she has a wide acquaintance and many
friends, who hold her in high regard.

Rt.=Rev. Joseph B. Cotter, D. D.

RT.-REV. .JOSEPH B. COTTER, D. D., is
one of the prominent members of the
Catholic hierarchy, being now at the head
of the Diocese of Winona. He was born in Eng-
land, on the 19th of November, 1844, to Laurence
P. and Ann "M. (Perrin) Cotter.

Bishop Cotter was abotit four years of age when
he came to the United States, and a youth of
nearlj' eleven years when the family removed to
St. Paul. He attended the cathedral parochial
school of that city, and later became a student of
St. Francis' Seminary of Milwaukee. Subsequently
lie entered St. Vincent's College of Westmoreland,
Pa., where he ])ursued his studies three years, and
then took a three-years course in St. .John's I'ni-
versity of Minnesota.

Our subject was ordained in St. Paul, on the
21st of May, 1871. On the 9th of June follow-
ing he assumed the pastorate of St. Thomas' Cath-
olic Cliuich in Winona, and it* mission churches
in Winona County. His zeal in the work of the
ministry, and his marked public spirit, urged his
advancement in the year 1877 to the deanship
of the Winona district of the Diocese of .St. Paul,
and on the erection of the new diocese, com-
prising the counties of Winona. Wabasha. Hous-
ton, Olmsted, l''illmore. Dodge. Mower, Steele.
W.'iseca. I'"reeborii. lllue Earth, Karibaiill. Waton-
wan, Martin, Cottonwood, .Jackson, Murray, No-
bles, l*ipestt)ne and Rock, he was elected bishop
of the diocese. His consecration, with that of Rt.-
Revs. James McGolrick, I). IX. of Duluth. and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

261

John Shan ley, D. D., of Jamestown, N. Dak., was

receivofi in the catlicdral churcli of St. Paul, Minn.,
Dr»ccmb«M- 27, 188'.). at the hands of the distin-
guislied p.Ttriol prelate, Aichliishop .lohn Ireland.
Bishop Cotter has under his ciiarge fifty-one
priests, ninety-one cliurclios (forty-eight cliurciies
witli resident pastors, and forty-tliree mission
churches), three academies, one hospital, one orplian
asylum, one industrial school, a school for Indian
girls, and eighteen parochial schools. Since the
establishment of the diocese twelve new churches
have been erected in his territory, two destroyed
by fire have been rebuilt, and several are in pro-
cess of erection. The founding of the Winona

Seminarj- for j'oung ladies, under the direction of

the Franciscan Sisters, marks an au$|)icious era in
the educational work of his administration.

Bishop Cotter is broad minded, devoted to
America and her institutions, and ever works for
the best interests of the community in which be
resides. It is said that no one has done more for
the cause of temperance in Winona', and in other
interests calculated to elevate humanity he has
labored in the same faithful and untiring way.
The high esteem and regard in which he is held
by all classes of the conimunit}' have been well
earned.

Michael Morgan.

MICHAEL MORGAN, who for many years
was extensively engaged in contracting
in Winona, is now living a retired life
at his pleasant home at No. 4 26 Winona Street,
enjoying the rest which he has truly earned and
richly deserves. His birth occurred in County
Mayo, Ireland, on the 25th of September, 182.3,
and in his native land spent the days of his boy-
hood and youth, there remaining until twentj-
tiiree years of age, when he removed to England.
Settling in Wolverhampton, he worked at the ma-
son's trade, which he had learned on the Emerald
Isle, and while there be was united in niarriage,al
the age of twenty-seven, with Miss Mary Welch,
also a native of County Mayo, Ireland.

Ilennng of the advant,iges afforded in the New
World, and hoping to benefit his linancial condi-
tion, Mr. Morgan emigrated to the United States

in 1852. He worked at the mason's trade in New
York, where he lived for four years, and in 1856
came to Winona at the solicitation of an old
friend, Stephen Mead, who had emigrated hither
in 1855. He was the father of Egbert Mead, and
here spent the remainder of his days. Mr. Mor-
gan had worked for Mr. Mead in the Empire State.
C)n his arrival in Minnesota Mr. Morgan sought
employment as a mason, and as he was an elHcient
workman his labors were always in demand. He
was employed In various contractors in brick and
stone work, including the linn of Jones A' But-
ler, the leading contractors of Winona. Mr. Butler
is still living in this city.

Mr. Morgan has lieen engaged in the construc-
tion of nearly all of the leading buildings of this
place, evidences of his handiwork being seen on
all sides. About twenty years since he began con-

262

PORTRAIT AKD BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

tracting in connection with Thomas Hunt, under
tlie lirm name of Morgan & Hunt. They made a
specialty of constructing stone basements for barns,
and had a very extensive trade, tiicir patronage
steadily increasing from the beginning. Mr. Mor-
gan continued business until about 1889, since
whicli time he has lived retired.

To the subject of this sketch and his worthy
wife were born ten children: .John, who is now
living in St. Charles; Sylvester, a resident of Wi-
nona; Delia, wife of John E. Thibeau, who is liv-
ing in Winona; William, who makes his home in
this city; Mary, wife of John Pheeney, of Des
Moines, Iowa; Sarah, wife of Morris O'llerrin, of
Winoua; Thomas, who died September 3, 1886, at

the age of nineteen years; Maggie, wife of T. J.
CIcary; and James, who completes the family', and
is still under the parental roof.

Mr. Morgan affiliates with the Democratic party,
having supported its principles since l)ecoming an
American citizen. He has, however, never sought
office, preferring to give his entire time and atten-
tion to his business int€rests. He has prospered
in his undertakings, and although he began life
here as a laborer he has not only built wisely and
well in a literal sense, but also in a figuiative
sense, gaining for himself a comfortable compe-
tence, which now enables him to live retired. He
has been industrious and enterprising, and his suc-
cess is well merited.

Qeorgfe B. Mallery.

/^~y EORGE B. MALLERY has the honor of
V^T being a native of Winona. He was born
in this citj' on the 9th of May, 1860, and
is the elder of two children, his brother being
Fred A., who was born in 1862, and is now a rail-
road man in the employ of the Winona & St.
Peter Railroad Company. The parents were Joel
and Matilda (Brisco) Mallery. The father was
born in Delhi, Delaware County, N. Y., March 2,
1830, and was one of the five children of Peter L.
and Anna (Baldwin) Mallery, both of whom were
natives of the Empire State. When Joel was a
child of three years they removed tc> Chemung
County, settling in .Savannah, where Mr. Mallery
engaged in the lumber business, and also carried
on farming for about seven 3'ears. He then em-
barked in boat-building, and was engaged in the
construction of canal-boats for some fifteen 3'ears,
after which he emigrated westward. Attracted by
the advantages of Minnesota, he sought a homo in

Winona in 1856, and embarked in the teaming
business between La Cros.se and Winona before
tlie exXension of the railroad, and later in tiie man-
ufacture of lumber. His death occurred in 1880,
at the age of seventy-two j-ears.

Joel Mallery came to Winona ere his father's
arrival, reaching this city on the 30th of June,
1855. Here he has made his home continuously
since, and among its early settlers he well deserves
mention. He is an engineer, and for many years
followed railroading. For several years he had
charge of a locomotive on the North- Western Road,
but since 1890 has lived retired. He is now well
advanced in years, and deserves the rest which
he is enjoying. In early days he was a support-
er of the old Whig party. His wife was born in
Chemung County, X. Y., and is a daughter of
Nathan Brisco.

In his father's home George B. Mallery was
reared, and at the age of twenty started out in life

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

263

for himself, lie first engaged in tlie grocery bus-
iness in coiineulion willi O. 11. Oriswold, and for
nine years siict'essfuliy carried on operations along
that line. From the beginning his trade constant-
ly ncreased, and the venturt' proved a very profit-
able one, but in February, 1892. Mr. .Mallery sold
out his interest in the grocery and embarked in
the livery business, buyinjr out F. E. Clark. He
now has a stable of twenty-two horses, including
several very line animals. Mis barn is equipped
with the latest st^-les of turnouts, and he does a
large general livery business, lie also has a fun-
eral line. Earnestly desiring to please his patrons,
he has built up a good trade, and his well directed

eflforts have brought him the j)rosperit}' which he
so richi}' deserves.

.Mr. Mallery takes considerable interest in civic
societies. lie belongs to the Odd Fellows' society,
holding membership with Prairie Lodge No. 7, and
Fidelity Encampment No. 26, in which he has filled
all the olliees, and is also a member of the Grand
Lodge and Orand Encampment. He is a worthy
member of Winona Lodge No. 21, K. of P.,
in which he has served as Vice-Chancellor, and
in his political views he is a Republican, having
been unswerving in his' allegiance to that party
since attaining his majority.

William Noonan.

\ \ ^)"''''-^''^' NOONAN, a contractor and
\/\/ builder of Winona, is a native of Can-
ada, born April 1 1, 1839. His parents,
.lames and .lane (Riidsel) Noonan, had a family of
eleven children. The father was a farmer by oc-
cupation, and followed that business throughout
his entire life. He was born in 17'.)2,and died in
1871, at the age of scTenty-nine years. His wife
passed away the following year, at the age of sixty-
seven.

No event of special importance occurred during
the childhood and youth of our subject, who si)ent
his early life in his native province, there remain-
ing until twenty-four years of age, during which
lime he learned the carpenter's trade. He then
came to the United States, with the intention of
making a home in the Mississippi Valley; however,
he went first to liufTalo and thence to Detroit,

Mich., spending some time in those cities, hi
1864 he removed to Chicago, where he remained
for two years, working at the carpenter's trade.
In 1866 he came to Minnesota, locating in Wi-
nona, where he has made his home continuously
since, with the exception of two j'ears passed in
Wisconsin. For the first eight years after his
arrival he worked at his trade in the employ of
others, and then began contracting and building
on his own account, receiving patronage within a
radius of five hundred miles. He has been con-
nected with the construction of many of the lead-
ing buildings of the cit^', including line business
blocks, residences, elevators, mills and churches,
and has done much work both in Minnesota and
Wisconsin. In 1888 and in 1890 he went to West
Superior, where he erected buildings, the aggregate
cost of which was about ♦1,000,(10(1. By close

264

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

study, earnest effort to please his customers, and an
uncommon insight into the underlying |)riMci|)h'>.
Mr. Noonan h.as deservedly' gained an enviable
reputation as a contractor and builder.

In 18G2 was celebrated the marriage of the gen-
tleman wliose name heads this sketcli and Miss
Eliza Fortune, also a native of Canada, and a
daugliter of .lames Fortune. They have a family
of five children, four sons and a daughter, David
J., William, Mary Agnes, Albert and George H.,
all of whom reside in this city.

Mr. Noonan keeps well informed on the issues
of tbe day, votes with the Democratic party, and
has taken quite an active interest in local politics.
In 1877 lie was appointed to fill an unexpired

term as Alderman of the First Ward, in 1878 was
elected to that office, and in 1880 was re-elected,
serving in all for live years in a most creditable
manner. Ills popularity as a broad-gauged man and
the confidence rei)Osed in him are indicated by the
fact that in a Republican ward he was elected by
a majority of one hundred and seventy. lie has
ever been actively interested in the growth and
development of the city, and is a public-spirited
and progressive man. In his business dealings he
is ever straightforward, taking no undue advant-
.ages, and the faithfulness with which he lives up
to his part of a contract has won him an envia-
ble reputation and gained him a large trade.

William A. Chamberlin, H. D.

WILLIAM A. CHAMBERLIN, M. D.,
who is engaged in the practice of med-
icine in St. Charles, is a native of the
Green Mountain State, his birth having occurred
in Putney, Windham County, on the 3()th of
November, 1852. His parents, William M. and
Nancy Sophia (Kellej) Chamberlin, were also na-
tives of Vermont. The grandfather was Cyrus
Ciiamberlin, and the great-grandfather was one of
the heroes who aided the Colonies in their struggle
for independence. They came from an old Colo-
nial family, which in pioneer days was f<uinded in
the Green Mountain State. The father was a civil
engineer and machinist, and his entire life was
passed in tlie East.

The Doctor spent his boyhood days upon liis fa-
ther's farm, there remaining until seventeen years
of age, when he became a student in Powers' In-
stitute, of Bcrnardston, .Mass., where by a three-

years course he was prepared to enter college. It
was his intention to enter Dartmouth College, but
his health failed him and he liad to abandon that
hope. He completed the academical course in
1875, when twenty-two years of age. By teach-
ing and in other ways he had earned the money
necessary to pay his tuition, and therefore may
truly be called a self-educated as well as self-made
man. In the summer of 1875 he visited California
on a pleasure trip, and the following winter again
taught school, in West Brattleboro, Vt., where he
had lived from the age of five yeai-s.

In 187G Dr. Chamberlin visited near Corry, Pa.,
where he engaged in teaching for a year. In the
mean time he read medicine with Dr. Wright, of
Colunibus, Pa., and Dr, Whitney, of Lottsville, Pa.
Returning to the Empire State m 1877, he spent
the summer season upon the farm, and in the
autumn entered the medical department of the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

265

University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, which ho
also attended in 187H-79, laking a complete regu-
lar course, although lie (lid not graduate. In.Iuly.
1879, he came to St. Charles, but he had no partic-
ular point in view for a location. lie wished, how-
ever, to live in Minnesota on account of the climate.
He visited Dr. Guthrie, asking for the privilege of
reading with that physician, who, however, on see-
ing his credentials, advised him to engage in prac-
tice, as there was no state law to prevent it. lie
had assisted other physicians, and in Deccmlier,
1879, became Dr. (iuthiie's partner. This partner-
ship was continued until the fall of 1881, when
Dr. Guthrie removed to California, and Dr. Chani-
berlin entered Rush Medical College of Chicago,
from which he was graduated in February, 1882,
with the degree of M. D. Returning to .St. Charles,
he soon won a liberal patronage, and has re-
mained here almost continuously since. In the
year 188.3 he purchased a drug store, which he car-
ried on until 1891, when he sold out with the
intention of going to the South to locate per-
manently, but after a time he returned to St.
Charles, and is now numbered among its leading
physicians. He has attended special lectures at
Ann Arbor and Rush Colleges on the subject of

surger}' and clinical work, is a member of the
American Jfedical .\ssociation, and in 1893 at-
tended its annual meeting, which convened in Mil-
waukee. He belongs to the Minnesota State Med-
ical Society, before which he read an article on
obstetrics, and also holds membership with the
Southern Minnesota Medical .Society, and the so-
cieties of both Winona and Olmsted Counties.

In March, 1882, Dr. Chaniberlin married Miss
Etta Warner, daughter of J. R. Warner, formerly
of St. Charles, but now of Mainline, Minn. The
lad}' was born in Winona County, and was a teacher
of music before her marriage. They had one son,
William, who died at the age of twenty-two months.
Dr. Chambcrlin is a member of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, takes an active interest in its work,
and is a leader in the musical department of the
church.

In his political views the Doctor is a Republican.
He was elected M.iyor of St. Charles in 1890, and
was tilling that office at the time of the construc-
tion of the Winona St South-Western Railroad, in
which the city assisted by giving -i< 12,51)0 in bonds,
and also by giving the right of way. The Doctor
also served as a member of the School Board.

David Whetstone.

DAVID WlIKT.sroNK, a farmer of Rolling
Stone Township, residing on section 12, is
numbered among the early settlers of Wi-
nona County, dating his residence herefrom lH.'>.i.
On his arrival here he found the county hut sparse-
ly settled. Its leading cities were then small vil-
lages, or had not yet sprung into existence, and
the gronter part of the lanfl was wild and unim-
proved, lie liii^ watched wiili interest its progress

and advancement, and in the work of develop-
ment lia.s ever borne his part. To the early settlers is
due much of the credit of making the county what
it is to-day, for they laid the foundation upon which
its present prosperity li.os been built. .Vmong
those deserving of prominent mention is Mr. Whet-
stone.

This gentleman was horn near Cincinnati, Ohio,
.lulv 7. 1821, and was the fifth in order of birth

266

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in a family' of eight cliilrlren, wiiose parents were
John and Susan (Ramer) Wlietstor.e. The father
was a native of North Carohna, and spent thcdajs
of his boyhood and youth upon a farm in that
state. AVhon a young man he left his childhood's
home and removed to Ohio, wiierc he remained
for several years. He tiien became a resident of
Kiple}' County, Ind., where he remained until his
death, whicii occurred at the age of sixty-five.
His father was one of the heroesof the Revolution-
ary War and was of German extraction. The mother
of David Whetstone was also born in North Car-
olina, and her death occurred at the advanced age
of ninety years. Her parents were natives of the
same state, and her father aided the Colonists in
the struggle which made this an independent na-
tion. Her father lived to the advanced age of one
hundred and seven years, and obtained the prize
given the oldest man in Indi.ana.

Mr. Whetstone, whose name appears at the be-
ginning of this record, acquired his education in
the common schools, which he attended through
the winter season. During the summer he work-
ed upon a farm, aiding in the planting and harvest-
ing of crops, and in such other duties as fall to the
lot of the agriculturist. When he was twenty-three
years of age, his father gave him forty acres of land,
and he began farming on his own account. He cul-
tivated that tract until 1855, when he sold out and
came to Minnesota, locating on a farm in Winona
County, near Lewiston. The land which he pur-
chased was a tract of raw prairie, on whicli not a
furrow had been turned or an improvement made,
hut he at once began its development, and in
course of time, waving fields of grain were seen in
the place of the barren prairie. That farm contin-
ued to be his home until 1882, when he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of land where he now

resides. To this he has added ninety-two acres,
having in all two hundred and sixty acres.

On the 1th of October, 1844, Mr. Whetstone
married Nancy Parker, who was born in Dearborn
County, Ind., on the .3d of March, 1S25. She is
a daughter of Henry and Katie (Hamer) Parker,
the former of whom is of German and Irish ex-
traction. To Mr. and Mrs. David Whetstone were
born thirteen children, but four of the number
died in early life. George, the eldest, is now a
farmer in Rolling Stone Township; Jane is the wife
of Jonathan Lewis, a resident of Lewiston, Minn.;
Mary is the wife of George Ingram, of Winona
County; Daniel is an agriculturist of Rolling Stone
Township; Susanna is the wife of James Sweazey,
of Winona; David follows farming in this countj';
Silas devotes his energies to the same occupation;
Lydia is the wife of Frank Kennedy, of Winona;
and John is engaged in gardening in this county.

Mr. Whetstone is an Elder in and has charge of
tiie congregation of the German Baptist Church
that is built on his farm near Lewiston. For forty-
live years he has been one of its membei-s, and du-
ring nearl}- this entire period has been engaged in
preaching, giving his services to the cause without
charge or compensation of any kind. His life has
been in harmony with his professions, and his ca-
reer has ever been a straightforward and honorable
one.

To George Whetstone, son of the subject of
this sketch, and his wife liave been born seven
children, all of whom are now living: Nancy,
David and Charles (twins). May, Lawrence, John
and Esther, all residing at home. Mr. Whetstone
has recently sold the place on section 12, and will
remove in the spring of 1895 to a new home four
miles south of Utica. in this county.

:ss&Aj^

PORTRAIT AND i;i( KlKAI'lllCAL RECORD.

267

Nathan Hedberry Cross,

N All I AN MEDBKRRY CROSS is a farmer
and stock-raiser of Saratoga Township, re-
siding on section 27, and is a citizen wiio
lias been true to public duty and to private trust.
lie was born in Chautauqua County, N. Y., near
the town of Nashville, November 9, 18.35, and is a
son of .loel Cross. The father was born in Mil-
ford, N. Y., .luly 21, 1800, and was a son of Jerris
Cross, who came of an old English family. The
mother of our subject bore the maiden name of
.Julia A. Medberry, and was born in the Empire
State, on the Itli of May, 1812. Her parents were
.losepli and Melntable (.lackson) Medberry. In the
Cross family were four children, namely: Jonas.!.;
Agnes, who died in Ift'fi; Nathan M., of this sketch;
and .lulia, wife of Sie|ihen Irons, a native of I'enn-
sylvania. The father of this family having passed
away, the mother afterward married .lames Hall,
and to them were lx>rn live children, two of whom
are yet living, Joseph I), and .leplha.

Thf sul)jcct of this sketch was born and reared
upon a farm. The tirst thirteen years of his life
were spent in bis native state, and he then went to
.McKean County. l*n., where he remained until he
liarl attained his majority. When he had reached
man's estate he started for the West, with the in-
tention of Irving Ins fortune upon it.s broad prai-
ries, for he believed that superior advantages were
afforded to those of the older states of the East.
He went first to Pierce (Viuntv, Wis., where he

spent the winter, and then crossed the Mississippi,
going to (Jttawa, Minn., where he pre-empted one
hundred and sixty acres of Government land. He
lived upon it long enough to establish his claim
to the place, and made some improvements upon
it during the next two years. He then returned
to Pierce County, Wis., and in the spring of 1861
came to Winona County, where he worked out b}'
the month, engaged in breaking prairie and in
other farm labor. He was thus employed until
1864, when he removed to the farm on which he
now resides, securing one hundred and sixty acres
of laud on section 27, Saratoga Towiishi|). Of this
sixty acres had been broken, and with characteris-
tic energy he at once began its further develop-
ment.

On the loth of .\pril, 1H65, .Mr. Cross enlisted
as a private of Company I, First Minnesota Infan-
try, and was mustered into service at Ft. .Snell-
ing, from where he was sent to Washington, and
thence to Virginia, where he was engaged in doing
guard duty until after the close of the war. On
the 28th of .luly, 1865, he received an honorable
discharge and returned to his home.

On the 7lh of April. 18t)(;, Mr. Cross w.-i.-* united
in marri.ige with Miss Annie Lane, and to them
were born the following children: Newton, who
died in 1881; Willie, who is engaged in clerking
in a store in St. Charles; Cora, at home; Burton,

268

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

who died at the age of two nnd :i-half years; and
Merton. The mother of lliis family was called to
the liome beyond on the Hlh of September, 1888.
Mr. Cross wasmariied, Dcceml)er 27, 1891, to Mrs.
Dent, widow of .lolin 15. Dent. Slie bore the
maiden name of Nellie Hyatt, and by her first mar-
riage she had four children, namely: Franl< B.,
who carries on farming in Wisconsin; William II.,
who is also living in the Badger State; and Ethel
and Archie .1., who are still with their mother.
Mr. Cross advocated the j)rinciples of the Repub-

lican p:irty for several years, hut now supports the
men and measures of the Populist party. He has
long served as Township Treasurer, and for twen-
ty-four years has held one or antjther local office,
a fad which indicates faithful service and the con-
fidence and trust reposed in him hy his fellow-
townsmen. His attention is now largely given to
his farming interests, and he owns a valuable and
desirable place, comprising three hundred and sixty
acres of rich land, which \ield to him a good in-
come.

Jerod Brown.

JEROD BROWN, a farmer residing on section
7, Dresbach Township, claims New York as
the state of his nativity. He was born in
Clinton County on the 4th of March, 1830,
and under the parental roof was reared to man-
hood, the days of his boyhood and youth being
quietly passed. When he had arrived at man's
estate he started out in life, and has since been
dependent on his own resources, so that whatever
success he has .achieved is due entirely to his own
eflforts. His first work was in a sawmill, where he
received $16 per month in compensation for his
services. This mill was located on the Hudson
River, and he was there employed for about three
years, after which he started westward, having de-
termined to tr^' his fortune on tlie broad prairies
of the Mississippi Valley. He started in April,
1852, and on the 8tli of May reached Bunnell's
Landing. Soon after he came to Dakota, where
he engaged in chopping wood and working on the
railroad. He followed various pursuit,* whereby

he might earn an honest living until his marriage,
when he turned his attention to farming.

On the 4th of November. 185.5, Mr. Brown was
united in marriage with Miss Harriet C. Mott,
daughter of Annis Mott. They began their do-
mestic life on section 1, New Hartford Township,
where Mr. Brown had a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres. Tliere he made his home for thirty-
five years, giving his time and attention to agri-
cultural pursuits. He jjrospered in his undertak-
ings, and his enterprise and industry were re-
warded by a comfortable competence. He after-
ward removed to his present home, where he owns
ten acres of land, which is devoted to the raising
of berries. This is his only business, and it yields
him an income sufficient for his present wants,
and he lias a snug sum laid by for a rainy day.

To Mr. and Mrs. Brown were horn five children,
three of whom are yet living. Ann Eliza, born
.lanuary 10. 1857, died December 30, 1861; Olive
T., born .January 25, 1860, is the wife of Edward

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

2fi9

F. Shippey, who resides on the old homestead farm
in New Hartford Township; Leonard .L, born Oc-
tober 21, 18(;2, lives on the farm with his sister;
Vincent C, born March 21, 1866, makes his home
in Appleton, Minn.; and Charles L.. born March
26, 1873, died November 3, 1882.

Mr. Brown is numbered among the pioneer set-
tlere of Winona County. On leaving his old
home in the East he went by stage from (ilens
Falls U> Port Edward, and thence by rail to Buf-
falo, N. Y.. where he took passage on a boat bound
for Detroit, Mich. From that place he proceeded
by rail to New Buffalo, Mich., and thence took a

boat to Milwaukee, whence he proceeded to the
end of the railroad, a distance of twenty-nine
miles. Here he again took a stage and went across
the country to Galena, 111., and thence by boat
continued on his way to Homer, Minn. Here lie
went tlirough all the experiences and hardships of
frontier life. His first home was a log cabin, which
was later rejilaced by a good frame residence. He
also built a good frame barn, cleared his land of
the timber, and has transformed one hundred and
sixty acres of raw prairie into one of the finest
farms of the county.

Hark Willson.

MARK WILLSON is President of the Mer-
chants' Bank of Winona, and one of the
leading financiers of Winona County.
II is connection with the banking interests of this
communitj- has continued since 1868, and the in-
stitution of which he is now the head has become
one of the solul financial concerns of the city.
Mr. Willson is u native of Newmarket, Ontario.
Canada, born February 27, 1820, and is the only
son of .lohn I. and Mary Willson. His parents re-
moved to western Pennsylvania in 1824, locating
at Sugar Grove, Warren County, where they spent
their remaining flays. The family there lived un-
til 1H63.

Mark Willson was reareil in his father's home,
and on entering upcm a business cnreer embarked
in merchandising, which he followed in the Key-
stone SUte until 1863. He has also l>eon promi-

nently connected with political affairs, and has
ever discharged his duties with a promptness and
fidelity which have won for him the commenda-
tion of all concerned. On attaining his majority
he was elected Justice of the Peace, which position
he filled for the long period of twenty-five years.
He also served as Postmaster and in other olHces,
and was crer true and faithful to the trust reposed
in him. His loyalty to friendsand to public trust
is one of his chief characteristics.

In 1853 Mr. Willson was united in marriage with
.Miss Elizabeth Hal lock, of New York City. Ten
\cars later he severed his business connections in
the East, and .sought a home in Minnesota, going
first to Hastings, where he had friends living.
There he opened a mercantile estnblishinenl and
carried on business for three years. Dining thai
lime he served as Mayor of Hastings for one year.

270

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

In 1866 he brouglit his family to Winona, wiiere
tliey have since resided, being uumhered among
tlic prominent citizens of the community. Here
Mr. Willson carried on a dry-good.s store for two
years, when, in 1868, he disposed of liis business
and became connected witli banking interests.
He toolv an active |)art in tlie organization of the
Second National Bank, vvliich began business April
29, 1871, with a capital stock of $100,000. lie
was elected a Director, and in October was made
Assistant Cashier, whicli office he filled until Jan-
uary, 1873, wiien he was elected Vice-President.
In .lanuary, 1875, he resigned that jjosition and
aided in the organization, on the 18lh of May, of
the Merchants' National Bank of Winona, of
which lie became I'resident and also member of
the Board of Directors. On the 1st of Julj-, 1879,

It was voted to change the organization from a
national to a state bank, under the laws of Minne-
sota, and to transfer its entire business to the new
organization. Tiie Merchants' Bank of Winona
sprang into e.Kistence in August. 1879, and Mr.
Willson has since been its President. The success
of tlie institutifyn is largely due to his untiring
efforts.

Ill his political views Mr. Willson is a stanch
Republican, having supported the principles of his
party since its organization. He is an exemplar}'
and public-spirited man, in whom the best inter-
ests of the community find a friend. His success
in business is owing to careful attention to all de-
tails, diligence and enterprise, and his prosperity
is well deserved.

Edson Gates.

T7> DSON GATES, deceased, was born in Eliz-
r^ C) abethtown, Essex County, N. Y., March
28, 1831. His parents were Willis and
Almira (Hulell) Gates, the former a native of New
Hampshire, born October 11, 1793, and the latter
a native of Hamplon, N. Y., born December 1(1,
1806. They were married .laniiar^' 12, 1823, in
Hampton, N. Y., at the home of her father. Mason
Hulell. The latter married Hannah Kidder, a de-
scendant of Oliver Kidder, who lived and died at
Weathersfield Corners. Rutland t'oiiiily, Vt. Ma-
son Ilulett was liorii in Uhnde Island, and died in
Hampton, N. V.

Edson Gales was a descendant on his father's
side of Amos Gates, his great-grandfather, who

settled in Slowe, Mass. His son, Isaac, Edson 's
grandfather, was born October 22, 1747, and was
eighty-three years old when lie died. His wife
was Mary Wheeler. 'I'hey had nine children,
Willis Gates, Edson 's father, being the youngest.
He lived to the age of eighty years. Edson 's par-
ents immediately after their marriage removed to
Elizabethtown, where his father owned quite a
tract of timber-land, which necessitated building
mills to prepare the lumber for market.

Our subject lived with his parents until he was
twenty-six years old. wilh the e.vceplion of one
year in Chazy, Clinton County, N. Y.. where he
look charge of a lady's farm. He came to Minne-
sota ill the spring of 1M.")7, arriving in .Stockton.

PORTRAIT ANJ) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

271

Winona County, where he had a sister living. He
made this his iionic, takiii"; trips around the coun-
try, finally buying eighty acres of land in Uliea
Township. In the winter of 1860 he went back
to his native state an<l married Millie A. Hrai-sted.
They were married at her father's home, April 2,
1860. and immediately started for their western
home. Edson found after arriving at his farm
tliat there were for sale sixty acres across tlie road,
which he immediately' purchased, and proceeded to
erect a comfortable house on this land. Here he
resided until the spring of 1865, when he sold to
John Stock. In company with several others he
went to Missouri and purchased a farm of three
hundred .acres, but for various reasons decided not
to live there, and finally sold the farm. In the
fall of 186.5 he moved to Winona and resided on
the corner of Washington Street and Broadway
for one and a-half years. He then erected a house
on East Fifth Street, where he resided two years,
after which he sold his home and bought on .lohn-
son Street, where he lived until his death, April
12, 1894.

Mrs. Millie (Braisted) Gates was born in Brid-
port, Addison County. Vt., .lune 15,1835. She
was the eighth child in a family of eleven, and re-
moved with her parents in her infanc}' to Essex
County, N. Y., where she spent the most of her life
until siic was married. Her parents were William

and Anna Braisted. Her grandfather, William
Braisted, Sr., went to Bridport, Vt., from New .Jer-
sey when the country' was quite new. His wife's
name was Mary Little. The farm on which he re-
sided has always been owned by William Brais-
ted, a brother of Mrs. Gates now residing there.

William Braisted was born October 14, 1795,
and died May 24, 187.5. Anna Russell, his wife,
was born .luly 17, 1799, and died April 13, 1885.
Her father, William Russell, was a native of Scot-
land. He was a farmer by occupation and some-
what of a musician. They lived and died in .\d-
dison County, N't.

Edson and Millie Gates were the parents of
three children. Minnie, liorn September 10, 1862,
died at the age of fourteen days; Burton N., born
November 24, 1863. died at the age of ten months;
and William W., born August 22, 1866. died at
the age of sixteen months. They adopted a child,
the daughter of his youngest brother, who was
drowned in Kansas. Jessie Maud Gates came to
them at the age of one and a-half years and has
ever been considered as one of the family.

Mr. Gates is remembered as a genial, social man,
who was fond of doing charitable deeds in a quiet,
unostentatious way. was a modest, unobtrusive,
whole-souled man, and politically w.as a stanch
advocate of Republican principles.

Franklin Laberee.

f~7'RANKLIN LABEREE, deceased, was born
in Whlleneld, Me., on the 17th of Novem-
ber, IM2K, and died in Winona on the 23d
of .luly, 1893, respected by all who knew him.
While in his native st.ile he .servefl an apprenlii-e-
ship to a ship-carpenter, and became an expert
workman, gaining great proficiency. For twenty-

eight yeai-s he was an employe of the North-Wcst-
ern Railway, doing carpenter work. His services
were userl for the line interior linishing work on
the palace cars until that branch of the business
was transferred to Chicago, after which he was em-
ployed for the interior finishing of depots, etc.
During the late war .Mr. Lal>«ree responded to

•272

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the call for troops, enlisting in Company F, Thir-
tieth Wisconsin Infantry, on the 11th of Au-
gust, 1862. He served for three years and one
montli, and when tiie war was over was honorably
(liseliarged, on tiie 20th of September, 1865.

Mr. Laberee was married on the 4th of March,
1869, in Winona, to Mrs. Sarah Jane Eastey, wliuse
maiden name was Aklen. Slie is a native of Milo.
Yates County', N. Y., but was reared in Steuben
County, that state. To them was born one son,

Holla J., who is now in the employ of the Chicago

& Nortii- Western Railway Company.

Mr. Laberee was a trusted employe, and the con-
fidence reposed in him was well deserved, for he
was always faithful to tlie company and its best
interests. His time and attention were almost en-
tirely given to tlie worli, which was in no way
neglected. He voted with the Democratic party,
but was not actively interested in politics.

%9n

'Pug

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

275

->-♦"

.^^^2^.

-t — i —

n^^ ««■ «s ^m ■m ^is- sie 5i& -sis -3^ «e- •3!& •j;:;^

« Marshall Bailey Webber.

'Ml.

•as -sis

■3i& ■siS ■§;& •SiS' ■^iS

T,:^^ "Titer

'^

.. ^

4 — t"

-I — H

MAHSIIALI. BAILEY WEBBER is a wor-
tli}- representative of the Bar of Winona
Coiinly. and is successfully onaiaufed in
practice in the city of Winona. lie was horn in
lUymond, Racine County, Wis., on the 2(\ of
August, 18.')(l, and is the son of Samuel and Sahra
A. (Bailey) Wohlx-r. Their family niimbcied four
cliildici), three uf whom are yet living. He is
descended from the Puritan forefathers who
founded the colony of Massachusetts. Ilis grand-
father, Loring Weblier, was a native of the old
Bay Stale, and was a Puritan I'.aptistof the strict-
est lyije. He was horn FehruaiT IG, 1791, and in
1837 emigrated to the territory of Wisconsin,
where he secured from the Ooverninent a large
tract of land, and engaged in farming, locating in
liacine County, liaymond Townsliip, at which
place he died on the 1st of .lanuary, IKg.i, atthe
advanced age of ninety-four years. The grund-
motlier on the father's side was .Sarah r|iliam, who
was horn in Briinlield, Ma.s8., .January IH, 17!H,
nnd<llerl March 21, IKHG. The grandfather and
grandmother on his mother's side were of New
10

Hampshire stock, his grandfather being Jonathan
Bailey, who was born in Weare, N. II., .January
I'J, 1792, and was engaged in teaching and farm-
ing. His grandmother was Sarah Marshall, who
was born in Deerlicld, N. II., .lanuary 28, 1790.
.lonatlian Bailey and wife emigrated from New
Hampshire to the stale of Wisconsin in Septem-
ber, 1841. with M f;iiiiily of several children, includ-
ing the mother of the subject of this sketch, who
was then but a small girl, .lonalhan Bailey died in
Clifton. Pierce County, Wis., .Iiine 11, 1866, and
his wife died in the same pl.ace, .lanuary 17,
186.">. Sabra Amelia Bailey, nuither of Mai-shall
B., W!is born in Cnity, Sullivan County, N. 11., .luty
in, 1826, and was united in marriage with Samuel
Webber ()cU)ber 2, 1812. Samuel Webber, the
father of Marshall B., was bom .Inly 11. 1822, in
Holland, Hampton County, in the state of Maa-
sachusetts, and for three years previous to his
father's emigration to Wisconsin worked in the
c(>tt<ui factory at Sturbridge, Mass. On coming
to Mie then territory of Wisconsin, he engagi-d in
farming with his father, Loring Webber, upon a

276

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

section of land upon which he now resides in
Raymond, Racine County, Wis. He is now the
oldest resident in liiat county, and has always
been one of the public-spirited, leading and influ-
ential citizens of l)is county, throughout the com-
munity being lield in tlie iiighest esteem by old
and young, rich and poor alike.

Marshall B. Webber was reared amid the wild
scenes of the frontier, and lived with his parents
upon tiie home farm until eigiiteen years of age,
assisting in tlie work of ins father's farm. His
early education was acquired in tlie common schools,
which he attended during boyhood, subsequently
entering the Racine High School. After leaving
the latter, he continued his studies for a couple
of years in the Rochester Academy, preparatory
to his entering Hinsdale (Mich.) College, from
which institution he was graduated with honor,
carrying off the prize membership of his class,
June 17, 187.5. Thus he obtained an excellent
literary education, which furnished the solid found-
ation on which to rest the knowledge he would
gain along special lines.

September, 1875, witnessed the arrival of Mr.
Webber in Winona, Minn. Here he began reading
law in the office of Hon. W. H. Yale, and in tlie
fall of 1877 was admitted to the Bar of Wi-
nona County, since which time he has been active-
1}' engaged in the practice of his profession, lie
first formed a partnership with Governor Yale,
which continued for about three years, when he
was elected Prosecuting State's Attorney, which
position he filled for two years. On being elected

Prosecuting Attorney, the partnership existing be-
tween himself and Governor Yale was dissolved,
since which time he has been alone, devoting his
energies entirely to his increasing legal business,
and is now recognized as one of the leading attor-
neys of the state. He IS attorney for the Chicago,
Milwaukee ife .St. Paul Railroad Company, and also
for the Chicago, Burlington it Northern, and has
been extremely successful in the trial of cases,
his abilit}'. both natural and acquired, being such
as to command the admiration of all. and justly
winning for him a well earned reputation as a
lawyer and citizen. On the 2d of .January, 1879,
Mr. Webber was united in marriage with Miss
Agnes M. Robertson, daughter of .John and Jlatil-
da (Goheen) Robertson, both of whom were na-
tives of the state of New York. She is a most
estimable and cultured lad\', and. like her hus-
band, holds an enviable positou in social circles.
Where true worth and intelligence are received
as passports into good societv, Mr. and Mrs. Web-
ber are always found.

In his political views Mr. Webber has always
been a Republican and a firm protectionist, but is
not what m.iv be termed a politician. He is a
member of the order of the Xnigbts of Pythias,
being one of the first members of Winona Lodge
No. 21, in which lodge he has occupied all the
chairs. He is an earnest and enterprising young
man, devoted to the interests of the city and state,
and his support and co-operation are withheld
from nothing that tends to benefit the communit}-.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

277

John Staniels French.

cl

OIIN STANIKLS FRENXH, one of tlie self-
made men of Winona County, who now
(^^ carries on general farming and stock-rais-
ing on section 9, Saratoga Township, is a
native of the old Granite Stale. He was born and
reared on a farm, his birth occurring on the 18lh
of February, l!S26. His father, George French,
was a native of New Hampshire, and when he had
arrived at years of maturity married Kflie Baker.
Thoy became the parents of a family of sfcven chil-
dren: Lydia N. and George, both deceased; N.i-
thaniel B., who has also passed away; .John S., of
this sketch; Andrew .1.; David D., who makes his
home in Humboldt, Iowa, where he does business
as a mechanic; and Chauncey, who is engaged in
the painting business in Humboldt. By occupation
the father of this family was a farmer, and carried
on business along that line for many years. He
served in the War of 1812, and died in Nc-w Hamp-
shire, where both he and his wife spent their last
days.

.John S. French acquired his education In the
district schools, which he attended at intervals
until sixteen years of age. He then started out to
make his own way through life, and Ins untiring
labors and poi-sevcrnnce have been the facU>rs
which have brought him success. He (irsl worked
as a fjirni liaml by the month, receiving altout *l
for his services. He continued to make his home
in the state of his nativity until about I860, when
he went to .Mas-^achusetts. theie spending the two
succeeding years of his life. With the hope of

benefiting his financial condition, he emigrated to
the West in the fall of 1852, settling first in Illi-
nois, where he was employed on the construction
of the Illinois Central Railroad, laying tracks from
La Salle to Bloomington. When that task was
completed he returned to his home.

While in the East Mr. French was married to
Miss Catherine A. McGillis, the wedding being cel-
ebrated in May, 1854. They traveled life's jour-
ney together for almost forty years, and the lady
"■as to her husband a faithful companion and helj)-
inate. but on the 2oth of .lanuary, 18'J3, she was
called to the home beyond, and her remains were
interred in St. Charles Cemetery. Many friends
mourned her loss, for she was widely known in this
community. Two children were born of this un-
ion, (ieorge I), married Miss D. Williams, by whom
lie has a son, (ieorge Bayard, and their home is in
St. Charles. Edward B. now carries on the old
homestead. He wedded Mary Bell, and they have
three children, Edith Lillian, Revertie .M.iv and
one unnamed.

Soon after his marriage ,Iolm S. French started
with his young wife for MlniiesoLi, and took up
his residence in Saratoga Township, Winona Coun-
ty, where on section !l he entered from the Gov-
ciiimcnl one hundred and sixty acres of good land,
p.iyiiig the usual price of *1.2o per .acre. He built
a log house and lived in true pioneer style, exper-
iencing III! the hardships and privations of front-
ier life. Winona was the nearest trading-post and
the county was but sparsely settled. Mr. French

278

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

was industrious and enterprising, and in course of
time iiad placed his once wild land under a liigli
state of cultivation. He had also secured many
improvements, which add to the value and attract-
ive appearance of the place, and indicate the pro-
gressive s|)irit of the owner. Farming and stock-
raising have been to him a profitable business, and
although he started out in life a poor bo^', depend-
ent entirely upon his own resources, he has stead-

ily worked his way upward by good management,
diligence and perseverance, and is now the pos-
sessor of a comfortable home and property. Since
the organization of the Republican party he has
supported its principles. He is a member of no
church or society, is an independent thinker, true
to his views, and is a citizen who manifests a com-
inendal)le interest in everything pertaining to the
welfare of the community'.

Edgar A. Bradley.

T7> DGAR A. BRADLEY, a leading contractor
r^ C> and builder of Winona, who occupies a
prominent position in business circles,
claims New York as the state of his nativity, his
l)irth having occurred in Madison County, on the
.5th of December, 1848. His father, P. Bradley,
came to Winona in the fail of 1866. He was en-
gaged in dealing in cattle, and also took contracts
for the construction of the Milwaukee & Green
Bay Railroad. He was also interested in the erec-
tion of a number of public buildings, and took
contracts for laying about five miles of water mains
in this city. Here he continued to make his home
until 1892, when he removed to Lake Park, Iowa,
where he now resides.

Kdgar A. Bradley spent the firNt eight years of
his life in his native state, and then accompaniecl
the family on their removal to Lake County, III.
They settled near Waukegan, and in I860, when
he was twelve years of age, removed to Minnesula,
locating on a farm in Fillmore County. ' At the
age of eighteen he became a resident of Winona,

and has since been connected with its business in-
terests. Ho learned the carpenter's trade with
John Keenan, and worked most of the time as a
journeyman until thirty years of age, when he be-
gan business for himself as a contractor. Since
1880 his time has thus been passed, and in his
undertaking he has met with success. He has
not only erected a number of residences, but in con-
nection with his father he also graded several
miles of the (ireen liay Railroad, and keeps an
outfit for removing houses. This branch of his
business yields to him a good income. He employs
from seven to twelve men. and is now enjoying a
constantlj' increasing trade.

On the 24th of November, 1875, Mr. Bradley
was united in marriage with Mrs. .Mary Moak, who
bore the maiden name of Mary Grant. She is a
native uf Chicago, and came to Winona in 1854
with her parents, W. W. and Cl.irissa (.Vverv)
(irant. Her father was a carpenter and contractor,
and continued that lineof business until his death,
which occuried in 1864. He erected on Second

PORTRAIT AND BlOORAPinCAL RECORD.

279

Street, between Main and Center Streets, one of the
first hotels in the city, known as the Grant House,
and was its landlord for several years. lie aided
in the erection of the old Iluflf House, and was
recognized as one of the best contractors and build-
ers in this loealil.v. Mi-s. Grant survived her hus-
band for a number of years. Their son, Frank
Grant, is now a carpenter of Winona. Their
daughter Mary in early womanhood became tlie
wife of Harry Moak, a conductor on the Winona
& St. Peter Railroad. He died in Minneapolis,
and his widow became the wife of Mr. Bradley, as
before stated. The worthy couple have a beauti-

ful home at No. 1120 West Broadway, which was
erected in 1892. They hold an enviable position
in social circles, and their household is noted for
its hospitality. Mr. Bradley votes with the Re-
publican party and warmly advocates its princi-
ples, but has never been a politician in the sense
of otHce-seeking, preferring to give his entire time
and attention to his business interests, in which he
has met with good success. He has lived in Wi-
nona through all the days of his manhood, and
those who have longest known him are among his
best friends, a fact which indicates an honorable
and well spent life.

L. Q. Wilberton, M. D.

I G. WILBERTON, M. D., one of the skill-

I O fill physicians of southeastern Minnesota,
is now successfully engaged in practice in
Winona. A native of New York, he was born in
Ilornellsville, on the 18th of April, 1853, and is
the only child of George and Martha (Merrill)
Wilberton. His father was born in Albion, N. Y.,
about the year 1827, and completed his education
in Albion University, from which he graduated at
an early age. His entire life was spent in Ilor-
nellsville, N. Y., and he became a very successful
merchant of that place, doing a good business. He
was also one of the contractors on the early build-
ing of the Erie Railroad. He wns an indefatiga-
ble worker, an energetic business man, and made
a notable record for one so young. His death oc-
curred at the early age of twenty -seven years, in
the year 18.54. His wife wns born in Hornell>ville.
N. Y., and was a daughter of Andrew Merrill, a
leading farmer of that vicinity. The paternal

grandfather of the Doctor was a native of New
York, born near Poughkeepsic. He was appointed
land agent of the (Government for that region, was
a man of proniinence in the coinmuiiity in which
he lived, and was numbered .nmong the honored
pioneers of central New York. The leading part
which he took in public affairs made him well
known, and his sterling worth was recognized by
many friends.

Dr. Wilberton was reared in the Empire State,
and acquired his early education in the public
schools of Rochester, .\fter graduating from the
high school of that city, he entered Cornell I'ni-
versity, where he continued his studies for some
time. On leaving school he became a teacher in
the Lima Seminary at Lima, N. Y., where he re-
mained for a year. He tlii'ii determined to enter
the medical profession and make itjs practice his
life work. To this end he began reading medi-
cine ill the office of Dr. While. of Rochester, N. Y.,

280

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

find suhspquently entered the Halinemann CoUcfje
of Philadelphia, from which institution he was
graduated in the Class of '80.

Dr. Wilberton at once came to Minnesota, lo-
cated in Winona, and has since been continuously
engaged in active practice at this place, with the
exception of twenty months spent abroad. Au-
gust 29, 1891, he sailed for the Old World for the
purpose of further perfecting himself in the science
of medicine by study in the leading schools of
Europe. Me spent one year in Vienna, studied for
three months in Berlin, three months in London,
several weeks in Paris, and returning in the spring
of 1893 to his native land, at ence resumed prac-
tice in Winona.

On the 11th of September, 1882, Dr. Wilberton
was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah Dow, daugh-
teV of James C. Dow, a native of the state of Maine.

Mrs. Wilberton is a graduate of Kent College in
Maine, having taken the degrees of A. B. and A.
M. Her brother, Prof. James J. Dow, is Superin-
tendent of the Blind Asylum in Faribault, Minn.
The Doctor and his wife have two children, Laura
and (ieorge.

Dr. Wilberton is a member of the American In-
stitute of Homeopathy, and has been honored with
an election to the vice-])residency of the Minne-
sota State Homeopathic Association, a position
which he is now filling. He is an earnest worker,
well informed on everything connected with the
science of medicine, and devoted to his profession.
He is recognized as one of the representative phy-
sicians of Minnesota, and has a reputation for skill
and ability which places him among the best in tiie
state.

Samuel C. Dick.

AMUEL C. DICK, deceased, was for some
years a well known and leading citizen of
Winona County, and his widow, a most
estimable lady, resides in Dakota. Mr. Dick was
born in Steuben ville, Ohio, on the Ullli of April,
1816, and was a son of William and Jane(Mc('lin-
tock) Dick, the former a native of Ireland, and the
latter of Scotland. Crossing the Atlantic to Amer-
ica. William Dick took up his residence in Ohio,
where he followed the tailor's trade, and made his
home until his death, which occurred in about the
year 1849.

.Samuel C. Dick remained with his parents until
seventeen years of age, when he started out in life
for himself, taking up the blacksmithing trade in

Morefield, Ohio, wliere he served a three-years ap-
prenticeship. On the expiration of that period he
joined a brother, and for simie time thereafter w:is
empk)yed in Londonderry. Ohio, at blacksmithing.
I'lie year 1848 witnessed his emigration westward.
He made Ins first location in Le Claire, Iowa,
where he remained for three years, working at his
trade. His next place of residence was in the sec-
.tion of Port Byron, III., wliere for two years he
carried on a brickyard. In the me^an time he built
two clmrt'lies and .several residences, doing busi-
ness as a contractor.

While in this place, Jlr. Dick renewed the ac-
quaintance of a young lady whom he had formerly
known in Ohio, Miss Elizabeth Young, who was

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

281

llien visiting her sister in the section of Port By-
ron. Tlieir friend.sliip ripened into love, and on
llie '.>lli of M.iy, IS.IO, they were ni.-uried. Tlie
lady is a dau<;liter of Hercules and Anne (Chan-
dler) Young, both of whom were natives of Penn-
sylvania. In their family were eleven children:
Mrs. Rachel Chandler, horn in September, 1806,
now deceased; Mrs. .Sarah Stocltton, who was born
March 8, 1808. and is now living in Kullon Coun-
ty, III.; .lames. Dinah and Eli, all now deceased;
.Mrs. .\nn Haker, of Illinois; Morgan, now a resi-
dent of .Arkansas; .lohn, who is deceased; Mrs.
Hannah Craft, now living in Martin County,
Minn.; Margaret Carroll, born in .September, 1828,
now living in Lansing, Iowa; and Mrs. Dick, who
was born July 21, 1824.

To Mr. and Mrs. Dick were born ten children,
eight of whom are yet living. Thomas C, the
eldest, who was born March 10, 1851. is now living
in Dakota, Minn., and is a carpenter by trade. Mar-
garet E., born August 4, 18.i.3, died on the 3d of
August, 18.57. Anne E., born November 13, 1855,
is now the wife of William Foote, of Preston,
Minn. A daughter born .July 12. 1858, died in
infanc}'. Emma L., a graduate of the Winona
Normal .School, born .July 23, 1859, is now the
wife of T. T. Oeddes, a clothier of Anoka, Minn.
Clarence !•"., born N(jveniber 18, 1861, also a grad-
uate of the Winona Normal .School, is engaged in
the commission business in Keokuk, Itiwa. Will-
iam W.. born May 24, 18G4, follows farming in
Winona County. Charles O., born November 5,
1K66, a briglit and promising young man. who
graduated from the Wincnia Normal College, is
now studying medicine. Ulysses S., born October
I'.i. lH(i8, is employed a.s a traveling salesman by a
wholesale paper-bag liriii. Elizabeth AL, who com-
pletes the family, was born April 15, Ih71, and
is now employed as a teacher in the high school of

Preston. Five of the family have taught school
in Winona County.

Mr. and Mrs. Dick Ijegan their domestic life
without capital. For two years they resided in
Iowa, and then removed to Illinois, where they
remained until the fall of 1855, at which time they
came to .Minnesota, locating in Richmond, Winona
County. Here Mr. Dick established a grocery and
general store, which he carried on until the fall of
1858. At that time he removed to a farm, having
purchased a tract of wild land, which he at once
began to clear and improve. From that lime he
successfully followed farming until the spring of
188y, and transformed the once raw prairie into
rich and fertile fields, which yielded him a comfort-
able income. He also erected good buildings and
made the place one of the best improved farms of
the community. It comprised one hundieii and
eighty acres, and this valuable property makes his
family in good circumstances.

:Mr. and Mrs. Dick were ever thoughtful of the
welfare of their children and provided them with
good educational advantages which would fit them
for the practical duties of life. Mr. Dick erect-
ed two schoolhouses in his neighborhood, one of
which was named in his honor, and for some time
he served as clerk of the school district. He also
held other oflices of trust, having been .Justice of
the Peace for six years and also Treasurer of his
township. In politics he was a Republican, in his
social relations was a M.isf)ii,and in religious belief
he was a Methodist. His wife and nearly all of his
children belong to the same church. He was ever
a kind and affectionate husband and father, de-
voted to the interests of his family, and they in
turn arc an honor to him. His wife is a l.ndy held
in high esteem, and to her husband ever proved a
faithful helpmate.

/

%lMkffy

■^

282

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Philo B. Palmer.

PHILO B. PALMER, one of the pioneer
settlers of Winona County, now living a
retired life, claims Pennsylvania as the
state of his nativity. The date of his birth is April
21, 1824, and the place Susquehanna. His parents,
James S. and Hannah (Heath) Palmer, were both
natives of New England. The paternal grandfather,
who was born in Vermont, was of English descent,
and was a preacher of the Friends' or Quakers'
Church. Wlien ninety years of age he rode three
hundred miles on horseback on a missionary tour.
His death occurred at the age of ninety-three.
The maternal grandfather, Jacob Heath, was also
born in Vermont, and came of an old English fam-
ily. He spent most of his life on the frontier, en-
gaged in clearing land and in tlie work of the
ministry, as a preacher of the Methodist Ei)iscopal
faith. He was a soldier during the War of 1812.
His last days were passed in northern Pennsylva-
nia, where he died at the age of seventj*.

James S. Palmer was a carpenter by trade, and
in 18r)6 left the Empire State, emigrating to Wi-
nona, where be aided in the erection of some of its
first houses. He made the shingles, which are still
in use, on one of the oldest houses on Second
Street. He, too, defended his country during the
War of 1812, and w.as wounded in the leg at the
battle of Plattsburg. Hoth he and his wife were
active members of the Methodist Chuii'h, in which
he served as Steward. Tliis worthy couple were
the parents of live children, two sons and three
daughters, of whom three are 3et living, namely:
Abigail, widow of J. I.. Brink; Elizalieth. wife of

Calvin Hitt, of Dover, Olmsted County, Minn.;
and Philo B.

Mr. Palmer, of this sketch, remained in the coun-
ty of his nativity until Iwentj'-two years of age,
his time being passed in attendance at the district
schools of the neighborhood, and in clearing and
developing the farm. He was thus earlv inured to
arduous labor, but thereby developed a self-reli-
ance and force of cliaracter which have proven of
incalculable benefit to him in later years. In 1855
he sought a home in Minnesota, and entered one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Dodge County
and eight\- acres in Winona County, and purchased
some property in Winona. Here he carried on
carpentering for some time, and then embarked in
business as a dealer in agricultural implements,
having a large trade, which came from all over the
country. He did a very successful business, and
thereby acquired a handsome competence. Al)out
1879 he retired to his farm some six miles from
the city, and made it his home for six years, after
which he returned to Winona.

January 3, 1858, Mr. Palmer was united in mar-
riage with Miss Helen L. Perry, daughter of Sam-
uel and Minerva (Mather) Perry. Four children
were born to them: Lain a M.. whodieil at the age
of four years and four months; Mary L., wife of
Forest Stansfield, of Winona; Albert L., who mar-
ried Miss Millie Cosgrove, and is engaged in the
grocery business in Austin, Minn., as a member of
the firm of Harrobiu & Palmer; and Clai'a H.. who
is engaged in teaching in Ortonville. Minn. The

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

283

mother of this family passed awa^- in October, 1884,
and on the 8th of January, 1894, Mr. Palmer wed-
ded Mrs. Angeline (Van Housen) Townsend, widow
of Squire Townsend.

Mr. and Mrs. Palmer are members of the Meth-
odist Kpiscopal Cbureii, in wliicli Mr. Palmer li.is
served as Class- Leader and Steward for Ihirly-five
years. In his political views be is a stanch Repub-
lican, and li.is held sf>me minor oflices. Tlie cause
of temperance finds in him an inllexible adherent.
He has been Chairman of the Executive Commit-
tee of the Old .Settlers' Association of the county,

a position he has filled for many years. When Mr.
Palmer came to Winona the land was still in pos-
session of the Government, the first sale not oc-
curring until October, 185.5. lie sold his farm in
Illinois in 1854, with the intention of removing to
Iowa, but came instead to Winona, and has been
instrumental in inducing probably fifty families to
locate here. lie used to haul grain and lumber a
distance of seventy-five mile.s, and has gone through
all the experiences of pioneer life, but now has a
line home and other city property, and is resting
in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.

Harry Cassius Farrar.

HARRY CASSIUS KARRAR, who is now
serving .is County Superintendent of
Schools, and makes bis home in Stockton,
has the honor of being a native of Winona Coun-
ty, his birth having here occurred on the 3d of
May, 1861. His parents, .John L. and Calista ,1.
(Cheney) Farrar, had a family of seven children-
The father, who is represented elsewhere in this
work, was a native of New Hampshire, as was his
wife, but they met for the first time in the West.
His early years were spent in his native state, and
at the age of twenty-four he left home. On the
tide of emigration which was steadily progress-
ing toward the setting sun, he drifted westward,
and for two yeai-s spent the winters in hunting
deer, lie then purchased a farm, in 1855, married
Miss Cheney, and began life in earnest. .Since that
time he has devoted his energies to agricultural
pursuits, lb' has always been a man of progres-
sive spirit, taking an active interest in public
afTaii-s which are calculated to promote the general

welfare, and at an early day he served .as a member
of the .State Legislature. He also held a number of
local oflices, serving as Township Clerk, Township
Treasurer and .Justice of the Peace. The cause of
education h.as found in him a warm friend, and
one who labors untiriugl}' in its interest. He has
long been olliciaily connected with the schools, and
his labors along that line have been productive of
good results. He votes with the Democratic party,
of which he is a local leader, and in politics, as in
all other matters, he is true to his convictions and
fearless in the expression of his opinions.

The early life of II. C. Farrar was spent upon
his father's farm and in gaining a rudimentary
education in the district schools. His father's be-
lief in education and in its necessity led him to
be supplied with good advantages for obtaining at
least a practical knowledge, which would be of
much benefit to bim in any ordinary- business ca-
reer which he might undertake. After leaving the
public schools, Mr. Farrar entered the State Nor-

284

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

mal School at Winona, wliicli he attended for four
years, spending tliiee years of that time in tiic
normal dejiarlmenl. He was also engaged in teach-
iug for a limited time during that period. In
1888 he W.1S graduated from the normal school,
and from that time was constantly engaged in the
profession of teaching until he was elected, in the
fall of 181)2, to the office of County Superintend-
ent of Schools, which position he occupies at the
present time.

Mr. Farrar h.-is within his jurisdiction in this
county one hundred and fifteen schools, and to
the arduous duties of County Superintendent he
devotes his entire attention. He is deeply inter-

ested in educational development, wliicii is so
marked at tlie present day, and has done much to-
ward advancing the standard of excellence in the
schools of Winona County. His is a responsible
])osition. but the office is al)ly filled, and he has
the confidence of the majority of voters in the
county.

jMr. Farrar w.as married on the .3d of October,
188!>. to Miss Mabel C. Nettleton, of Minnesota,
daughter of Charles Nettleton, a native of New
Yoi-k. The father died in this state in 1892, at
the age of seventh-two years, but his widow is still
living. IMr. and Mrs. Farrar have a family of
three children: Vera, Harold Cheney and the baby.

W. D. Abbott.

WD. ABBOTT, a member of the law firm
of Brown & Abbott, of Winona, was
born in Steele County, Minn., July 13,
1859. His grandfather, William Abbott, was born
in the town of Sanbornton, N. II., in 1800, in the
same house which was the birthplace of his son, A.
J., and his entire life was passed on the old home-
stead farm, where he died at the age of forty-five.
His father was a native of Pembroke, N. H., and
spent his entire life in the old Oranite State, dying
in .Sanbornton at a ripe old age. He was a son of
.Samuel Abbott, who long prior to the Revolution
removed from Andover, Blass., to Pembroke,
where he spent his remaining days. He located
among the Indians, who were sometimes trouble-
some, and experienced all the hardships and priva-
tions incident to life on llie frontier. Farther

back than Samuel Abbott, the ancestry of the fam-
ily cannot now be traced.

A. .1. Abbott, the father of W. D., was born in
Sanbornton, N. H., in 1829, and after arriving at
years of maturity wedded .Mary H. Pii)('i-, also a
native of thatcity,and a daughter of Daniel Piper,
who spent his entire life in the Granite State. Mr.
and Mrs. Abbott there lived until 1856, when,
boiling to better their financial condition, the}'
emigrated westward and made a home in Steele
County, Minn., where the father followed farming
during his active business life. He still resides on
the old homestead, but is now retired. He went
to the county in an early day. and is numbered
among its honored pioneers.

W. D. Abbott spent his early life in the county
of his nativity, and the common schools aflForded

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

2H5

liim his fii-st educational privileges. There he be-
came familiar with the ''three R's," and later to()l<
a preparatory course in Pillssburv Academy. Siih-
sequcntly lie conliiiucd liis studies in Carleton
College, of Northfield, Minn., from which he was
graduated in 1883. Having studied law, he en-
tered upon the practice of his chosen profession in
Waseca in 1885, and there continued in ;iclive
business until the fall of IS'J'2.

At that time Mr. .Vhholt came to Winona ami
entered the law office of Lloyd W. Bowers, who
was tlien the attorney for the Winona it Si. Peter
Railway Company, and with him continued until
.June, 1893, when Mr. Bowers was appointed Gen-
eral Counsel for the Chicago & North-Western
Railway Company, and removed to Chicago. Mr.

Abbott then formed a partnership with L. L. Brown,
un<ler the firm name of Brown i Abbott, and this
connection still continues, tlic firm occupying the
law odice of Wilson & Bowers. Tlie^- received the
appointment .as attorneys for the Winona & St.
Peter Railway Company, and are also successfully
engaged in general law practice.

Mr. Abbott was married, in the fall of IH8G, to
Miss Lorena M. Adams, daughter of Thomas Adams,
a farmer, residing near Faribault, Minn. She was
one of five cliihlren, and comes of a family which
for several generations past has resided in Ver-
mont. Both yiv. and Mrs. Abbott are highly re-
spected citizens of this community, and have a
large circle of friends in Winona.

Clark Gilbert Corey.

0LARK GILBKRT COREY is a member of
the Winona Construction Company. He
is a leader in business circles, and is recog-
nized a.s a valued citizen of Winona, on account of
the active interest which he has ever taken in the
development of the city and the promotion of the
general welfare. Almost his entire life has been
pa-iscd within the borders of Winona County, and
here lie has many friends who will receive with in-
terest this record of his life.

His parent-*, II. A. and Pliiebe Ann (I'lace)
Corey, were lM)th earl}' settiei-s of this county, '["he
father was born in Vermont, .Ian iiary 20, 182 1, and
lived ill New Kngland until about twenty-live
ycare of age, when he came West, settling near
Oshkosh, Wis., where he engaged in farming for a

short lime. He then came to Minnesota, and lo-
cated in the ■Money Creek N'alley, in Winona
County, in 1855. In this locality he has since
made his home. He and his brother were the tii-st
two settlers in that part of the valley. H. A.
Corey made a claim before the land wjis |)l.aced on
the market, securing a half-section, which he trans-
formed into a rich and highly cultivated farm.
He is recognized as one of the representative agri-
culturists of the community, and is a highly re-
spected and prominent citizen, who ha.s taken a
leading jiart in public affairs. In politics he
lia.H been a stanch advocate of the Kepuhlican
parly since it-s firganization, and for two terms
served as a member of the State I/Cgislatiiie. His
wife was a native of Fond du Lac, Wis., and died

286

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ill Winona Counly in .January, 1885. Her par-
ents, .Joseph and Ilenrielta Place, were natives of
New England. The paternal grandfather of our
subject, Alpheus Corey, was born in Vermont, but
spent the later years of liis life in the West, his
deatli occurring at the advanced age of eighty-
eight years.

To II. A. and Phtebe Ann Corey were born
three children: Carrie, wife of Clarii Wood, of
Amboy, Wash.; Etta, wife of F. B. Holbrook, who
is also li-ving in Amboy; and C. G., the subject of
this sketch. Mr. Corey liad been previousl3' mar-
ried, his first wife having borne the maiden name of
Lydia Page. By that union lie had two children:
Sylvester A., a resident of Wheeler, Iowa; and
Alice B., who became the wife of Alfred Jewell,
and died in March, 1894.

Mr. Corey, of this sketch, remained upon the
home farm until twenty-two years of age, and in
his boyhood attended the district schools. He fur-
tiier continued his education by one year's study
in the Winona High School, and later spent about
three years in the Hillsdale College, of Hillsdale,
Mich. Thus he became familiar with all of the
common, and many of the higher, branches of learn-
ing, and by reading in later years has kept well
informed on all of the issues and questions of the
day. At length he left home and turned his at-
tention to mercantile pursuits, for he did not wish
to follow the life of an agriculturist. He embarked
in the grocery business in company with Otis
Abell and W. S. Crandall, a connection which was

continued for two years, after whicii lie spent the
year 1888 in taking contracts for building side-
walks, in company with Mr. Abell. in 1889 he
went to Lansing, Iowa, and accepted a position as
bookkeeper in the oflice of the Lansing Lumber
Company, where he remained for two and a-half
years.

On the 2,')th of April, 1888, W.1S celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Corey and .Miss Winnefred Brale3-,
daughter of Alvin Braley, of Winona. She died
December 30, 1892, leaving two children, Irene
and Hamden. Mr. Corey was again inairied, March
8, 1894, his second union being with Kathryna
McKenzie, of Winona, one of the seven children
of Hugh McKenzie, of Oshkosh, Wis. Her father
was a native of Scotland, and in New York City
married Albina Powell, who was born in Nova
Scotia.

Mr. Corey returned to Winona in 1892, and
.again began taking contracts for laying sidewalks.
In the following j'ear the Winona Construction
Company was formed, the partners being Silas
Braley, Otis Abell and C. G. Corey. This linn en-
gages in street-paving, sewer work and general
contract work, and the business has rapidly devel-
ojicd until it has now assumed extensive propor-
tions. Mr. Corey is a member of Winona Lodge
No. 21, K. of P. He is one of the energetic young
business men of the city, is held in high regard,
and those who liave known him from boyhood
and witnessed his straightforward career are num-
bered among his warmest friends.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

287

Chauncey Doud.

0HAUNCEY DOUD, who is connected with
a large manufacturing industry of Winona,
as a member of ttie firm of Doud Sons
(t Co., was born in Turin, Lewis County, N. Y.,
August 15, 1809, and is a son of Giles Doud, a na-
tive of Connecticul. The family was founded in
America by Henry Doud, who was probably a res-
ident of Guilford, Surrey County, England, and
thence emigrated to the New World in 1639, set-
tling in (iuilford. Conn., with the colony then
under the direction of Rev. Henry Whitfield. This
became the permanent home of the family, and a
number of the descendants of the original Ameri-
can progenitor still reside in that locality.

The paternal grandfather of our subject was
Capt. (iilcs Doud, who won his title while serving
in the French and Indian War. Ilis son Giles re-
moved from Connecticut to New York in nn early
dav. In Ills native state he was united in m;irriiigc
Willi Ulicidn Scovilic. of Conneclicut, iiiid then
wont to N'crniont. from where he romuved to the
Kmpirc Stale. Afterward he einigialed westward,
settling in Lexington, Sinclair County, Mich., and
alioiil 181.') look up his residence in Oswego, Ken-
dall Coimly, where his death occurred in IK.5;i, at
the advanced age of eighty-six years. He was a
cooper by trade. Capt. (liles Doud, his father,
took pail with his company in scaling the Heights
of AbraliMin. lie had organized and equipped a
coinpaiiv fur service in the Frefieh and Indian
War, and led them to the front. Smallpox break-
ing out among his men, he was stricken with the

disease and died at Crown Point, N. Y., while on
his homeward journey. He was a son of David
Doud, of Middleton, Conn., whose father, .lohn
Doud. was the second sonof Henry, the founder of
the family in America.

Mrs. Doud, mother of Chauncey, died in 18.37.
He is now the only survivor in a family of eight
children, seven of whom grew to mature years.
During his boyhood he learned the cooper's trade
with his father and soon mastered the same, becom-
ing an excellent workman. He remained at home
until twenty years of age, when he started out in
life for himself, working in a dairy for a time, and
then opening a cooper shop in Rutland. N. Y.,
where the family had lived from the time he was
seven years of age.

Mr. Doud was married, Mairh 7. 1834, to Miss
Sarah Comstock, daughter of William Comstock,
and in 1837 removed to Michigan. In St. Clair
Count}' he secured a timbered farm and at once
began to clear and develop it. continuing its culti-
vation for a period of live years. He was nine
miles from any settlement, and the work was so un-
protitablc and of so dilliciilt a nature, that he be-
came disgusted with it and removed to Oswego,
Kentlall County, III., in 1842. There he carried
on farming during the summer months, while in
the winter season he engaged in coopering. Eight
years later he removed to lA>ckporl. III., where he
opened a cf>oporsliop. employing six men. I n I8.')7
he liecamea resident of rrempealeau. Wis., where he
built a sawmill, securing the machinery and the

288

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

men to operate the same in Chicago. This he car-
ried on until 1862. ills son, Roscoe T., joined
him in business, and tiiey also carried on a cooper
siiop. In tiie year just mentioned they sold out
and came to Winona, where they opened a shop,
which has been carried on continuously since. Mv.
Doud furnished barrels for tlie Muff & Stecklen
Mills, gave emplo3'ment to three men, and contin-
ued his personal supervision of the business until
about ten j-ears since. When he besi;an operations
here he had only about |!5,000, but the capital
stock has since been increased to 8100,000.

To Mr. and Mrs. Doud were born the following
children: Roscoe T., a partner in the coopering
business; Gertrude A., wife of E. W. Heydon, of
La Crosse, AVis.; Anna D., widow of Abner Harris,
of Winona; Marietta C, and George W., both of
whom died in infancy; Maria Louise, wife of
George M. Brush, of Minneapolis; Cornelia L., who
is the widow of Fred Bonner, and now keeps house
for her father; and George S., a member of the firm
of Doud Sons & Co. Fred Bonner was a brother
of Charles Bonner, of Winona, and was at onetime
connected with the Harvester Works. He died in
Mississippi, where he was employed as l)Ookkeeper
in the Doud Mill. Mrs. Doud died May 13, 1888,
at tlie age of sevent^y-seven, her birth having oc-
curred April 2, 1811. She was a lady of excellent
business and executive ability, and her judgment
and advice often proved very valuable to her hus-
band.

In early life Chauncey Doud was a Democrat,
and cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew
Jackson, but on the organization of the Re))ubli-
can party he joined its ranks, and has since been
one of its warm advocates. He keeps well in-
formed on the issues of the d.ay, both political and
otherwise, and is a valued citizen of the commu-
nity. His iiome is one of the finest residences in
Winona, and stands as a monument to his enter-
prise.

Since an early day Mr. Doud has been one of the
leaders in business circles in this section of the
state, and iiis progressive spirit has been an impor-
tant factor in the upbuilding of Winona. He was
a stockholder ii\ tlic Second National Bank, and a
Director in the Merchants' National Bank, but dis-

posed of his interest in the same when it was made
a state bank. He was one of the organizers and
original stockholders in the Winona Flouring-mill
Company. The capital stock was -?80,000, and be
owned a fourth interest. He continued liis con-
nection with the same until the mill was burned,
about six years ago. He then gave his stock to
his children. They have two mills at Pittsville,
employing forty-seven men, one at Marsh, Wis.,
employing fifty men, and barrel factories in Wi-
nona, La Crosse (Wis.), Mankato, Stillwater and
Superior.

Some years ago Mr. Doud purchased a tract of
pine land in Mississippi of four thousand acres. A
company was organized, of which he was made
President, more land was purchased to the amount
of nine thousand acres, and a mill was erected at
a great cost, but after a year's unsuccessful busi-
ness it was deemed best to sell out. Whatever Mr.
Doud has given his personal attention and super-
vision to has proved profitable, for he possesses
most excellent business ability, is sagacious and
far-sighted, and his management has brought him
wealth. He was also interested in a stock-mining
conipany in Idaho and served as its President.

The most imi)ortant enterprise, however, with
which Mr. Doud has been connected is that now
carried on under the name of Doud Sons A- Co.,
manufacturers of barrels. This companj- was in-
corporated in 1880, with a capital stock of $100,-
000, and about $140,000 Is now used in the busi-
ness. This is the outgrowth of the cooper shop
which was established bj- Mr. Doud and his son
Roscoe in 1857 in Trempealeau, Wi.<. They built
a sawmill, doing a general milling business, and
soon after a staveraill and cooper shop were added
in Winona. About 1865 stave machines were es-
tablished at various points in Wisconsin and
Minnesota. They now have a stavcmill at Pitts-
ville, Wis., employing about fifty men, and a .saw-
mill has been erected. There are a sawmill, slave
factory and heading-mill at Marsh, Wis., with ship-
ping facilities on the Wisconsin Central, and alxiut
seventy-five men are employed. They have about
nine thousand acres of timl>cr-land in that part of
the st«le, and also secuie timber from elsewhere.
The barrel factory at Winona furnishes employ-

PORTRAIT AM) H1CX5RAPHICAL RECORD.

289

rnent to twenty men. at La Crosse to lliirty men,
the one in Mankato to fifteen men, in Still-
water to fifteen men, and in .Superior employment
is criven to sixty men. Each is presided over by
a foreman, and the main trade is among tloiirin<;-
mills. These factories together on an average
turn out about three* thousand barrels daily, and
the Superior mill alone has a capacity of two thou-

sand barrels per day if necessary. The annual
business amounts to about *.3 15,000. and the pay-
roll to about $100,000 per annum. This gigantic
enterprise is the outgrowth of a small concern, and
has really resulted from the good raanageuient,
methodical and systematic methods, and the care-
ful attention to details of the gentleman whose
name heads this record.

nichael Knopp.

MKIIAHI. KNOPP, a retired farmer now
living in Winona, claims (Jerinany as
the land of his birth, which occurred in
Westphalia, on the 13th of March, 1819. During
his youth he learned the stone-cutter's trade, and
became an expert workman along that line. He
followed the business in the Fatherland until
twenty-three years of age, when he sailed for the
New World. lie had heard much of the advan-
tages and privileges here afforded young men, and
resolved to test the truth of these reports, hoping
that he would thereby be benefited financially.
The voyage across the Atlantic was made in a
sailing-vessel. After his arrival he worked for a
time in Missouri, and then secured a position on a
steamer on the Mississippi River. Shortly after-
ward, however, he engaged in chopping wood, and
was thus employed for two years, but after all his
hard labor he wa.s Iwatcn out of his wages by his
employer.

Mr. Knopp Iheu went to Missouri, where he
joined a party en route for California. In lH4fi.
upon his arrival at the Sacramento River, he en-
listed in the United States army, and served seven

months during the war with Mexico. In acknowl-
edgement of the services rendered at that time, he
has been put upon the list of pensioners of the
Mexican War. He remained upon the Pacific
.Slope about two years, and liuilt the first school-
house in Monterey. He also engaged in mining
to some extent. Later he went to the Sandwich
Islands, but spent only a short time there, when he
took passage on a vessel bound for (lermany. Af-
ter visiting his native land and the home and
scenes of his childhood, he once mf)re came to
America, and this time located in .Sheboygan Coun-
ty, Wis., where he purchased a tract of land. It
was covered with timber, which he at once began
to clear away, and in course of time much of the
forest had l>een repl.iced by waving fields of grain,
which yielded to theownera good income. There
he lived for thirteen years, after which he sold a
part of his farm and built a mill in Kewanee, Wis.,
which he operated until his removal to Winona,
Minn., in 1864. At that time he purchased the
farm in Winona Township which he yet owns.

As a companion and hrlpinate on life's journey.
Mr. Knopp chose Miss (iertrudc Doclsch, a native

290

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

of Oerman.y. The wedding was celebrated on the
6th of Maj', 1849, and their union has been blessed
with a family of ten children, nine of whom are
yet living. Charles, the eldest, is a farmer of tliis
county; John is a contractor and builder in Wi-
nona; Mar3' is at iionie; Gertrude is tlie wife of
Henry Felenger; JoseiJii carries on agricultural
pursuits in Winona County in partnership with liis
brother Charles; George follows farming on the
old homestead; ISIartha is the wife of Charles Kich-
ardson, an agriculturist; William is living in St.
Paul, Minn.; Jacob was drowned at the age of
three j'ears; and Lena is a teacher.

In his political views Mr. Knopp is a Repub-

lican, and has held a number of local offices. He
belongs to the Evangelical Church, and has led an
honorable, upright life. His business career has
ever been a straightforward one, and his success is
justly merited. He started out in life empty-
handed, with no capital save a pair of willing
hands and a strong determination to succeed. He
has met obstacles and reverses, yet has overcome
these by diligence and perseverance, and is now
the possessor of considerable property, including
three hundred acres of land. Owing to his pros-
perity, he is now enabled to live retired, enjoying
a rest which he has truly earned and richly de-
serves.

'J'KE NEW YORK
^UiLlC LIBRARY

H. S. WAllL, M. D.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

293

n.^.^^.^^

mii^^

. \^ •♦■ •♦■ ^

^^ ^^ ^^r

H. S. Wahl, M. D.

si.

HH. WAHL, M. D. The record of the med-
ical fraternity of Winona County would
be incomplete without the sketch of Dr.
Wahl, who is recognized as one of the leading
practitioners in this locality. He occupies a prom-
inent place among his professional brethren, and
possesses the skill and ability which have gained
for him a high reputation, and won him an exten-
sive business. He was born in the county of Perth,
in the province of Ontario, Canada, on the 19th
of August, I860, and was cue of a family of four
children, whose parents were Frederick and Cath-
erine (Seip) Wahl. His father, Frederick Wahl.
was a native of Huflfalo, N. Y., born in 1834. The
following year his parents removed to the prov-
ince of Ontario, Canada, settling on a farm near
Waterloo, and under the parental roof he remain-
eii until twenty-four years of age, when he was
united in marriage with Miss Seip, who was born
in Waterloo County, Canada, in 1836. Immediate-
ly after he removed with his bride to the county
of Perth, where he secured a farm, upon which he
has since resided, devoting his time and allciilion
to agricultural pursuits.

As the name indicates, the family is of (icrman
origin, and was founded in America by the D<x^-
lor's grandfather. Henry Wahl, a native of Ger-
many, who in early manhood crossed the broad Al-
ii

lantic to America, accompanied bj- his young wife.
He was a butcher by trade, and had followed that
business in the Fatherland, and to some extent in
HutTalo after his emigration to the New World, but
on his removal to Canada he turned his attention
to farming, and followed that occupation during
his active business career. He is still living, at the
advanced age of eiglity-eigiit, but his years rest
lightly upon liini and he is yet enjoying good
healtli.

Dr. Wahl. of this sketch, spent the days of his
childhood in the old home in Canada, where he
remained until about twenty-one years of age. In
his boyhood he attended the common schools near
his home, and later spent two years at Stratford
High School, after which he entered the com-
mercial college of Belleville, and was graduated
from that institution. He then entered upon his
life work, and from that lime forward h.as lieen
dependent on his own resources. He first secured
a position as bookkeeper in the office of an agri-
cuhiirai-impleiiient establishment, whore he remain-
ed for two and a-half years, and on leaving that
situation he ent<'red a drug store, where he con-
tinued for six months.

HaTing formed a desire to make the practice of
medicine his life work, Mr. Wahl, in order to fit
himself ft>r his chosen profession, now entered the

294

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

medical department of the Nortliwestern Univei--
sity, of Chicago, where he spent three years in pur-
suing a thorougli and systematic course of study.
He was graduated in tlie Class of '84 with the
degree of M. D., and immediately after coming to
this state located in Minnesota City, wliere he
opened an office and began practice. There he
continued his practice for three >• ears, when, in
1887, he came to Winona, wiiich has since been
his home. In tiie seven years which have passed
he has built up a large business. He practices
both medicine and surgery, and in hiscliosen work
he has met witli prosperity.

On the 13th of July, 1885, was celebrated tiie
marriage of Dr. Wahl and Miss Clara E. Waterman,

of Minnesota City, who for eight years was a suc-
cessful teaclier in tiie public scliools of this state.
Slie died November 2fi. 1886, leaving one cliild,
Harry, who was born on the 5tli of May of that
year. 'J'he Doctor was again married, March 27,
1888, his second union being witli Miss Annie
Kaizer, of Winona. One child graces tliis union,
Herbert, born July 24, 1889. The Doctor is a
member of tlie Winona County Jledical Society
and tlie .Southern Minnesota Medical Association.
He is a pleasant, genial gentleman, and outside of
|)rofessional circles has many warm friends, wlio es-
teem him highly for his sterling wortli and strict
integrity.

EHsha B. Huffman.

T7> LISHA B. HUFFMAN, one of tlie highly
I Cy respected citizens of Homer, who is now
practically living a retired life, was born
on a farm in Trafalgar, Canada, October 6, 1825,
and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Finch) Huff-
man, both of whom were natives of New York.
The father was born in January, 1786, and died
February 2, 1851. He was a farmer by occupation
and owned a valuable tract of land. He was only
about two years of age when with his ])arents he
went to Canada. He enlisted forthe War of 1812,
and continued in the service until its close. His
wife was called to her final rest in 1871. In their
family- were eleven children, but only two are now
living. John died in Michigan in 1888; Christo-
plier has also passed away; Henry died in Minne-
sota in September, 1886, at the age of seventy-two
years; Mary and Nancy, twins, are both deceased;

Paul G. has passed away; Nathaniel died April 18,
1874; Lorana is deceased; Phiebe is the wife of
William Livingston, a railroad man of Canada;
Elisha is the next younger; and Josepli has also
passed away.

Mr. Huffman of this sketch remained upon the
home farm until twenty-six years of age. Some
time previous he had assumed its management and
the care of his parents. At length, on leaving
home, he began to learu the trade of biacksmitliing,
wagon-making and repairing, and afterward em-
barked in business for himself, carrying on ojiera-
tions akmg that line for live years. On the expira-
tion of that period he emigrated westward and
spent one year in Iowa. On the 12th of Novem-
ber, 1857, he arrived in Minnesota, making tlic-
journey by wagon. He came to Homer and located
on a farm on section 28, Homer Towiisliiii. where

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

295

lie purchased forty acres of land. To this he added
from time to time as liis financial resources were
increased until lie had four hundred acres of val-
uable land, the greater part of which is under a
high state of cultivation. He built a good house
and barn, made other improvements, and the well
tilled fields aiid neat appearance of the place indi-
cated the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He
carried on general farining. and was the first man
who ever raised a thousand bushels of wheat in one
season in this locality. He also engaged in hlack-
smithing, and that work proved to him a profitable
source of income.

On the 6tli of .January, 1848, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Huffman and Miss Caroline E. Cur-
rey, daughter of Ephraim and Nancy Currey, who
were natives of Canada. The father died in Can-
ada, fSeptember 6, 1864; the mother was called to
the home beyond October 10, 1887, and she was
laid to rest in Homer Cemetery. In their family
were eleven children, of whom five are yet living,
namely: Hamilton, Carleton, George, Caroline (who
was born October 24, 1830,) and Walter. Mr.
and Mrs. Huffman are now parents of eight chil-
dren: Miles .1., who was born .January 28, 1849, and
is the present County Attorney of Scott's Bluff
County, Neb.; Henry H., who was born .lulj^ 6,
18.50, and is now in South Dakota; James N., who
was born February 25, 18.')3,and is living in Homer;
Jacob \V., who was born May 12, 1855, and is a
farmer of Minnesota; Ephraim E., who was born
March 30, 1857, and is located in Huntsville, Ala.;

Elizabeth B., who was born March 16, 1859, be-
came the wife of William Horton, and died Feb-
ruary 28, 1890, leaving two children; Elsie C, who
was born May 27, 1864, and died Februarj' 19,
1866; and Mary A., who was born January 6,
1870, and is still at home with her parents.

Mr. and Mrs. Huffman have always given their
children good educational privileges to fit them for
the practical duties of life and have supplied them
with other advantages, .\bout four years ago Mrs.
Huffman suffered from a paralytic stroke, and has
since been a cripple, but she bears her misfortune
uncoin|)lainiugly. She has been a faithful com-
l)aiii(iii and helpmate to her husband, and together
.as man and wife they have traveled life's jonrney
for forty-si.K years.

Mr. Huffman is an enterprising and progressive
farmer and carried on agricultural pursuits until
September, 1891, when he removed to Homer, and
has since made his home in this place. He has led
a busy and useful life, and has always been a hard
worker. He yet engages in labor to a limited ex-
tent, for he cannot bear to sit down in idleness, that
quality being utterly foreign to his nature. In
politics he has been a Republican since he became
a subject of the United States and warmly advo-
cates his parly's principles. He has served as .Jus-
tice of the Peace, as Assessor and in all the other
town oHices, and has ever been true to the trust
reposed in him by those who gave him their sup-
port.

296

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Richard Perrin.

RICHARD PERRIN is one of Winona Coun-
ty's well known agriculturists, who in bis
business career has won success, and in all
the relations of life has gained the confidence and
esteem of those with whom he has been brought
in contact. He carries on general fanning and
stock-raising on section 15, Saratoga Township,
where he owns valuable property, comprising two
hundred and forty acres of rich land, which is im-
proved with good buildings and all the accessories
of a model farm.

Mr. Perrin was born in Yorkshire, England, on
the 13th of August, 1825, and is a son of John
and Emma (Wilkest Perrin, who were also natives
of the same country. By occupation the father
was a farmer, and followed that business through
life. The family numbered eight children, three
sons and five daughters, of whom Richard is the
eldest. Sarah and Elizabeth aie both deceased.
Thomas and John follow in order of birth. Mary
Ann has also passed away. Priscilla is the young-
est living; and one died in infancy.

When a child of five years, Richard Perrin left
his native land and was brought by his parents to
America, the family crossing the Atlantic in a
sailing-vessel, which after a voyage of six weeks
dro]ipcd anchor in the harbor of New York. The
family located in Monroe County, N. Y., near
Rochester, and there Richard was reared to man-
hood. His education was acquired in the district
schools, which he attended at intervals until aliout
sixteen years of age. Reading, experience and ob-

servation, however, have made him a well informed
man. His father was in limited circumstances,
and, as he was the eldest child, he remained at
home and gave to his parents the benefit of his
services until twenty-five years of age. He then
started out in life for himself, and began by rent-
ing land. This he did for five years, making his
home in New York until the spring of 1855, when
he emigrated to the West. The journey was made
by way of the rivers and lakes to Beloit, Wis.
Near that city he purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land, and for two years carried on
farming, but on the expiration of that period he
removed to Waupun, Wis., where he rented a farm
until 1866. In that year lie came to Winona
County, and has since been numbered among the
agriculturists of Saratoga Township. He bought
eighty acres of partially improved land on section
15, where his home now stands, and began the de-
velopment of a farm that has become one of the
most desirable places of the neighborhood. As his
financial resources have been increased he has ex-
tended its boundaries, until it now comprises two
hundred and forty-eight acres of rich land, which
yields to him a golden tribute in return for the
care and cultivation he bestows upon it.

On the 3d of April, 1849, Mr. Perrin was united
in marriage with Miss Jane Drake, a native of New
York, who was born in 1829. The}' have two
children. Emma became the wife of Peter Bratt,
a farmer of .Saratoga Township, and they have
three children: Joan. Ilarrv and Ada, Jennie is

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

297

the wife of Clarence Statser. They reside on the
old homestead, and liave a daughter, Ora M.

In his political affiliations Mr. Perrin is a Dem-
ocrat, hut has never aspired to public office. In
ISiJO he was called to mourn the loss of his wife,
who passed away on the 30th of August, and was

laid to rest in Saratoga Cemetery. She had been
to him a faithful companion and helpmate on
life's journey, and her loss was mourned by her
family and many friends. Mr. Perrin's success is
well deserved, and he also merits the high regard
in which he is held.

Watson I. Lamson.

< "\ «~)ATSON I. LAMSON, one of the hon-
V/X/ ored veterans of the late war, now liv-
ing in Winona, was for some years
connected with the agricultural interests of this
county. He has also represented his constituents
in several offices, thus becoming well known, and
in this volume is deserving of representation. Mr.
Lamson is a native of Massachusetts, his birth
having occurred in Ml. Washington, Berkshire
County, on the 23d of April, 1844. His father,
William I^amson, was born in Massachusetts, Sep-
tember I, 1815, and in earl}' life engaged in the
insurance business. He married Miss Lucy A.Lee,
who was born in the old Bay State, January 12,
1820, and with his family started for the West in
1851. He first located in Rockford, 111., and after
about tliree years came to Winona Count}-, Minn.,
settling first in the village of Homer. He pur-
chased eighty acres of land, and continued its cul-
tivation for several years, when he was taken sick.
Not being able to meet payments upon his farm, he
lost his property, but afterward bought one hun-
dred and five acres, which he owned up to the time
of his death. lie passed away on the 8th of Sep-
tember, 1892, having for four years survived his
wife, who was called to the home beyond in April,
1888. In their family were four children, but
Watson, the second in order of birth, is the only
one now living. Adelberl, born December 9, 1842,

died April 24, 1887; Livingston M., born January
9, 1846, is also deceased; Mary W., born September
23, 1847, died November 23, 1854. In his political
affiliations the father of this family was a Repub-
lican, and was honored with a number of offices.
In connection with his other work he engaged in
teaching school to some extent. He was an excel-
lent mathematician, and never failed to solve
any problem which was given him.

No event of special importance occurred during
the childhood and youth of Watson 1. Lamson,
who lived upon the home farm until after the
breaking out of the late war. when he bade adieu
to parents and friends and started for the scene of
battle. On the 13th of August, 1862, he enrolled
his name as a member of Company B, Seventh
Minnesota Infantry. The company, commanded
by Capt. S. B. Sheardown, was engaged in lighting
the Indians for about a year, and then went to St.
Louis, from where they were ordered to Missis-
sippi. There they took part in the battle of Tu-
pelo, which continued at intervals for three daj'S,
and were afterward at Nashville. Later Mr. Lam-
son took part in the siege of Mobile, where he
was under fire for about six weeks, and there re-
mained until honorably discharged, in August,
1865. He was never wounded by a bullet, but his
health was greatly impaired and never has been
fully recovered.

298

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

When the war was over, Mr. Lamson returned
ti> liis parents' liome, and there remained until liis
marriage, at the age of twenty-live years. On the
5tli of August, 1869, was celebrated his union with
Mary E. Kiehaidson, whose death occurred April
23, 1870. On the 24th of March, 1875, he was
again married, his second union being with Lucy
O. Hammond, daughter of M. H. Hammond, a na-
tive of Connecticut, who removed to Michigan in
1836, and came to Minnesota in 1865, locating in
Pleasant Ridge, Homer Township. There he reared
his family, and there his death occurred in 1872.
His widow is still living with Mrs. Lamson, at the
age of eighty-four years, and is a well preserved
old lady, wiio has many friends in this community.
Mr. and Mrs. Lamson have two children: William
H., born June 19, 1878; and Herbert H., born Jan-
uary 10, 1880. They are good and intelligent
lads and are an honor to their parents.

At the time of his first marriage, Mr. Lamson

purchased eighty acres of land, but his wife died
shortly after, and he did not then remove to the
farm, but instead went to Kansas, where he spent
about two years. After his second marriage he
added thirty acres and located thereon, devoting
his time and attention to farming until 1887, when
he removed to Homer; there he resided until 1894,
when he removed to his present home at No. 263
East Howard Street, Winona. In the mean time
he had further extended the boundaries of his farm
until it now comprises one hundred and eight acres.
He yet retains possession of this, having it now
rented, and it yields to him a good income. Mr.
Lamson has been a hard worker and by a busy life
has achieved a success which is well merited. In
politics he is a Republican. He served for one
term as Town Treasurer, and for ten years has been
Chairman of the Town Board of .Supervisors. So-
cially he is connected with the Grand Army of the
Republic.

William Kaiser.

< "1 f^ILLIAM KAISER, who is engaged in
\/\/ plastering in Winona, was born on the
4th of November, 1832, in Hottenbach,
Russia, where he remained until .about nineteen
years of age, when he sailed for America. In his
native land he had learned the mason's trade, hav-
ing provided for his own maintenance for some
time. At length he determined to seek a home
beyond the Atlantic, hoping thereby to benefit his
financial condition, and in a sailing-vessel crossed
the briny deep to New York. He did not tarry
lonsr, however, in the eastern metropolis, but went
at once to Scranton, Pa., where he worked at his
trade for a year. He then resumed his westward
journey, and took up his residence in Cincinnati,
Ohio, where the succeeding ten years of his life
were passed. On the expiration of that decade he

came to Minnesota, locating in New Ulm, where
he made his home for a short time. The year 1862
witnessed his arrival in Winona, where for nearly
a third of a century he has engaged in business
as a plasterer, taking large contracts for such work.
The lady who now bears the name of Mrs. Kaiser
was in her maidenhood Amelia Kaiser. She was
born in Haden, Germany, and their marriage w.is
celebrated in 1858. Ten children graced their
union, but three of the number are now deceased.
Those still living are: Minnie, wife of Henry Hess,
a resident of Winona; Charles, who makes his
home in this city; Albert, who is living in Fosston,
Minn., where he is engiiged in the banking busi-
ness; Edward, a printer, who resides with his father;
Carrie, William G. and Ilattie, who are yet under the
parental roof. The family is one of prominence

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

299

in the community, and its members hold an envi-
Hble position in social circles where true worth
and intelligence are received as passports into
good society.

Mr. Kaiser votes with the Republican party and
is a warm advocate of its principles, but has never
sought or desired public office, pruferiing to give
his entire time and attention to his business inter-
ests and to the enjoyment of liis home. He is now
the owner of a pleasant residence on King Street,

together with a business block on Center Street.
These represent his own labor and are monu-
ments to his thrift and enterprise. He is one of
the leading men in his line of business, and has re-
ceived a fair share of the public patronage, where-
by he has secured a good income. He has had no
special advantages in life, but has made the most
of his opportunities, and his success is due to ear-
nest application, untiring effort and good manage-
ment.

Edwin D. Wilmot.

T7> DWIN D. WILMOT, who follows farming
I C) on section 12, Saratoga Township, is rec-
ognized as one of the prosperous and pro-
gressive agriculturists in Winona County, and in
its history well deserves mention. The record of
his life is as follows: He was born in Oneida
County, N. Y., May 2.'i, 1844, and is a son of Allen
G. and Sarah (Remore) Wilmot. The father was
a native of the Empire State, and was of French
descent, while the mother was of German lineage.
They became the parents of ten children, seven
sons and three daiightci-s, of whom eight are now
living, namely: Edwin D., of this sketch; Stewart
.1.. Sarah .)., Louisa, Is.aac G., .lulia, Henry and
Solon. Eugene and an infant are deceased.

Edwin I). Wilmot was born and reared on a
farm, and the occupation with which he was famil-
iar from earliest youth he has made his life work.
He attended the district schools of New York, and
completed his education in the public schools of
Winona. In 18,')() he came with his parents to
MinnesoUi, the family locating in St. Charles,
where the father secured land from the Govern-
ment and began the development of a farm. Ed-
win was thus inured to the arduous labor of break-
ing and cultivating new land, and became familiar
with farm work in all its departments. He was

still at home with his parents at the breaking out
of the late war, but in 1862 he bade adieu to home
and friends and entered the service.

It was on the 1.5tli of August of that \'ear that
Mr. Wilmot enrolled his name among the boys in
blue of Company D. Seventh Minnesota Infantry.
He was mustered into service at Ft. Snelling, and his
first engagement was under Sibley, at Hig Mound.
N. Dak., during the Indian troubles, June 24, 1863,
and on the 28th at Stony Lake, the severest engage-
ment of the expedition. He w.os then sent South,
and participated in the battle at Tupelo, after
which he went on the raid through Missouri, in
pursuit of Price, where a running fight w.as kept
up for many days. Later he went to Nashville,
and took part in the battle at that place. With
his command he also met the enemy at Spanish
Fort, and participated in the siege and capture of
that stronghold. He went through as a private,
and on the 17th of August, 186.'), was honorably
discharged, for the .South had laid down its arms,
the I'nion was preserved, and the war was over.

Mr. Wilmot immediately returned to his home,
and in 1866 he l>eg!»n farming in his own interest,
purchasing one hundred and fifty acres of land in
Saratoga Township. It was partly improved, and
he at once began its cultivation, and made it Lis

300

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

home for three years. On the expiration of tliat
period he removed, in 1869, to the farm on which
he now resides, and which has been his liome con-
tinuouslj' since. He first purchased one liundred
and sixty acres on section 12, but as liis financial
resources have increased he has added to this un-
til now two hundred and ninety acres of rich and
valuable land pays a golden tribute to the care and
cultivation he bestows upon it. He also carries on
stock-raising, and is tiie owner of one of the best
farms of the neighborhood.

Mr. Wilmot was married, on the 1st of March,
1868, to Miss Idella Watson, and their union has
been blessed with four children, all of whom are
yet living, namely: Minnie, now the wife of Mon-
roc'Ball, a resident farmer of Saratoga Township;
Alfred, Daisy and Pearl, all at home. Dais}' is a

graduate of the high school, and also of the nor-
mal school of Winona, and by her study has fitted
herself for the profession of teaching. The family
is one of culture and refinement, the household is
noted for its hospitality, and its members are highly
respected peo])le of the community.

Mr. Wilmot started out in life a poor boj', with
no capital save a 3'oung man's bright hope of the
future and a determination to succeed. He has
labored earnestly, and his diligence and persever-
ance have made his career a prosperous one. He
is now in comfortable circumstances, and can sup-
ply his family with all the comforts of life. In
politics he has always been a Republican, and
warmly advocates the party principles. He be-
longs both to the Odd Fellows' socict3' and the
Grand Army of the Republic.

John C. Laird.

JOHN C. LAIRD, of Winona, was born in
Lewisburg, Union County, Pa., October 6,
1825, and is a son of Robert Hoyt and Maria
(Nevins) Laird. The father was born in Derry,
Northumberland County, Pa., .Tune 22, 1796, and
was of Scotch-Irish descent. In 1820 he married
Mrs. Maria (Nevins) Fruit, a widow. Her fa-
ther, Christian Nevins, was born in Holland, No-
vember 1, 1759, and married Lucrctia Ciiumbeilain,
who was born in 1765. The great-grandfather of
our subject on the maternal side,.lohn Hayes, was
born in Londonderry, Ireland, and came to Amer-
ica in 1730. His son, Robert Hayes, was born in
Northumberland County, Pa., in 1742, and wedded
Mary Allison.

Matthew Laird, the great-grandfather of our
subject, was born about 1765, and became a resi-
dent of Cumberland County, Pa. His son, Moses

Laird, married Jane Hayes, and their son, Robert
H., became the father of John C. Laird, of this no-
tice. The grandfather of Mrs. Maria Laird was a
Revolutionary soldier. He was born in Hunter-
don County, N. J., September 27, 1 736, and was the
eldest of twelve children born to William and
Elizabeth Cliaraberlaiii, who were natives of Eng-
land, and came to America in 1680. Col. William
Chamberlain served in the Colonial army, and his
ci^mmission bears the date of September 9. 1777.
He w.as a member of General Armstrong's brigade
and General Wayne's division, and took part in
the battles of Franklin, Princeton and Hrandy-
wine. At the last-named his son Louis was killed.
He was also i)resenlat the surrender of Cornwallis,
October 19, 1781. Hisservices were recognized as
so valuable to the American forces that the Eng-
lish offered a reward of £500 for his head. His

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

301

old uniform epaulettes are still in possession of the
family.

Robert Laird and his wife lived and died in
Pennsylvania. He made farming his life work
and was quite an influential citizen. His death
occurred at the age of ninety-one years. .lohn C.
Laird was one of a family of eight chftdren. He
was reared on the old home farm, and at the age
of twenty-five determined to go to California, but
his family objected and instead he emigrated to
northern Illinois in 1850. In the fall of that
year he went u]) the Jlississippi to Winona Prairie,
passing St. Paul, which then contained a popula-
tion of five hundred. He stopped at La Crosse
when there were but five families in the town.
After two weeks he went to(ialena, and thence to
Freeport, 111. In the spring of 1851 he entered a
claim above La Crosse, but clerked in a store until
the following fall, when he was made Deputy Reg-
ister of Deeds of La Crosse County, under William
T. Price, since United States Senator. His eldest
sister, Catherine, now the wife of Abner S. God-
dard, taught school in La Crosse in the winter of
1851. In May, 1852, Mr. Goddard came to Winona,
being one of its first settlers. lie was appointed
the first Postmaster of the place, but died the fol-
lowing August. His widow afterward married
A. B. Smith, and was long a resident of Winona,
being one of the best known and most highly re-
spected ladies of the county. She had three chil-
dren when she came here, but two died soon after
her arrival. One son, Charles Goddard, enlisted
before he was seventeen years of age for service in
the Civil War, and was wounded at the battle of
(iettysburg, after which lie returned to Winona.
He was elected Register of Deeds, but died before

the time came for him to enter upon the duties of
the office.

John C. Laird arrived in Winona in August, 1852,
and the following 3-ear made a claim. His time
was largely spent in driving settlers over the coun-
try until 1855. In the spring of that year he was
joined by his brothers, Matthew .Land William IL,
and the firm of Laird Bros, was formed. They
would go up the Chippewa River and buy lumber,
which they would raft down and sell to the set-
tlers who were rapidly flocking to this place. The
venture proved a very profltable one, and from
this grew the extensive business of the firm of
Laird, Norton it Co. In 1856 the Norton brothers
joined the Laird brothers in business, and the sub-
ject of this sketch continued with the firm until
1865, when he withdrew. The first mill was
erected in the fall of 1857. In 1860 John C. Laird
went to Olmsted County to improve a farm which
he had entered in 1856, and there remained until
1863. He had six hundred acres of land, which he
sometimes operated with help and sometimes rented.

On the 9th of April, 1855, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Laird and Miss Charlotte M. Jar-
vis, of Chautauqua County, N. Y., who came to
Winona in 1853, with Mr. and Mrs. Charles Eaton.
Their children are: Will Hayes, who for eighteen
years has been employed in the ollice of Laird,
Norton <fe Co.; Allison W., a bookkeeper in the
Second National Bank; and .Scott, who was gradu-
ated from the high school in the Class of '94. Mr.
Laird was one of the first members of the Congre-
gational Church at this place, and has led an hon-
orable, upright life, which has gained for him the
confidence and good-will of all with whom he has
been brought in contact. In politics he was first
a Whig and then a Republican.

d

'^

^#

D

302

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Willard Harrison.

WILLARD HARRISON, one of the pros-
perous farmers and highly respected
citizens of Winona County, now liv-
ing on section 17, Homer Township, is a native of
the Nutmeg State, his birth having occurred in
the town of Bran ford. New Haven County, on the
19th of May, 1823. His parents, Sylvester and
Nancy (Bradle}') Harrison, were also natives of
Connecticut. The fatiier, who was a sailor, shipped
before the mast at the age of fourteen, followed the
sea twenty 3'ears, and was lost while on a voyage, at
the age of thirty-four. He left a widow and three
children: Willard; William, who is now deceased;
and Timothy I., who was killed while in the Con-
federate service at the battle of Murf reesboro. The
father was lost January 9, 1837, and the mother
afterward married again. Her second husband was
Mr. Lindsey, by whom she had one son. For her
third husband she married Mr. Bryan.

Willard Harrison remained with his mother un-
til eight years of age, when he went to live with a
farmer, with whom he continued for five 3'ears.
He then returned to his mother's home, and was a
member of her household until seventeen years of
age, when he began learning the blacksmith's trade,
following the same until he had attained his ma-
jority. He then turned his attention to the ma-
chinist's trade, and was engaged in the construc-
tion of engines until 1856, when he came to Min-
nesota, the month of September witnessing his ar-
rival in the state. He spent some time in seeking
a location, and finally settled in Fillmore County,
where he rented a twelve-acre tract of land, upon
which he made his home for a year. On the ex-
piration of that period he went to Martin County.

Minn., where he entered land and made his home
until 1862. Since that time he has been a resident
of Winona County. For two years he rented a
farm, and then, in 1864, purchased an eighty-acre
tract of land, on which he now resides. The boun-
daries of that place, however, he has since ex-
tended, until it now comprises one hundred and
sixtj' acres of rich land. He turned Ins attention
to general farming, and was thus employed until
April, 1865, when he manifested his loyalty to the
Government by enlisting in the service as a mem-
ber of the First Minnesota Heavy Artiller}'. He
was under Capt. John Hammond, and remained at
the front until the following October, when, the
war having closed, he was honorably discharged,
and returned to his home. He then began to ex-
tensively engage in the cultivation of fruit, and
his entire farm is now devoted to the raising of
apples and berries, which he markets in the neigh-
boring towns and cities.

On the 3d of Jul^', 1842, Mr. Harrison w.is united
in marriage with Miss Mary K. Ailing, daughter of
Samuel Ailing, who was born in Connecticut, Jan-
uary 9, 1820, and was a farmer by occupation.
Mr. and Mrs. Harrison have one child, Mrs. Frances
A. Merritt, who was l)orn OctoberSI, 1843, and has
always resided at home. By her marriage she has
a son.

When Mr. and Mrs. Hariison began their do-
mestic life they had no capital, but he w!is pos-
sessed of a good knowledge of his trade, and there-
by was enabled to provide for himself and family.
He was recognized as an expert workman, and in
all his life was never discharged from a shop. He
generally continued for long periods with one em-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

303

ployer, and then left on his own account. He
came to the West willi the hope of hcnefitinj; his
health, and has since given liis time and attention
to agricultural pursuits, which he has successfully
ff llovved. winning thereby a competence tli.it now
nuraliers him among the substantial citizens of the

community. While living in Martin County, be
served for two terms as Sheriff. In politics he is
a Democrat, and in his social relations is a Mason.
All who know him esteem him highly for his ster-
ling worth, and in the community where he lives
he has raanv friends.

Charles Butler.

ellARLES BUTLKR, a prominent contractor
and builder, resides at No. 3G9 West Broad-
wuy Street, Winona. There is probably no
more popular man, or one who has more friends, in
this city than he, and in the history of his adopted
county he well deserves mention. Mr. Butler was
born in Rugby, Warwickshire, Kngland, on the
28th of .Inly, 1832, and his boyhood days were
passed amidst the beautiful scenes of that locality.
He now has in his possession many views of Eng-
lish landscape, showing lovely scenery and old
mansions and catheflrals near his English hfune.
At the age of frmrteeii he was apprenticed to learn
the trade of a mason, brick-layer and plasterer. In
June, IK,').'{, in his twenly-lirst year, he crossed the
broad Atlantic to Oswego, N. Y., making the jour-
ney with his old employer, with whom he remained
until lie attained his majority.

.Mr. liutler then worked as a journeyman in Os-
wpgf) until the fall of 185.'), when he removed to
Toledo, Ohio, where he was engaged in the build-
ing of the roundhouse of the Wabash Valley Rail-
road at that place until the spring of 1H5(>. He
then went to Chicago, and «n the ITtli f)f May of
the same year reached Winona, which he believed
would prove a favorable hK'alion. Here he again
worked as a journeyman, and was lirsl employed
in plastering a house on Broadway Street. He

laid the Rrst brick in the town, it being used in the
construction of the Orrin Smith & Sons Bank on
First Street, where the Norlli-Weslern freight depot
now stands. This was in .lune, 1856. Mr. Butler
formed a partnership with .lames Beasley, his old
employer, with whom he had come to America, and
in a short time this firm became the leading one of
the town. They erected a brick bank building on
Second Street, which was known by the name of
.Smith <k Sons Bank, and was destroyed by the big
fire in 1862. In 1860 Mr. Butler's partner was
killed while quarrying rock for the ii(.)rmal school,
and thus death dissolved the partnership which
for several years had continued with mutual pleas-
ure and profit.

In .Inly, 1858, the subject of this sketch returned
to Oswego, N. Y., and in the fall of that year made
a trip to his native land, where, in 18.j;i, he married
Miss Ann Harris, one of the friends of his youth.
In the spring of that year he sailed with his bri<Ie
for the New World, and for a short time lived in
Oswego, where he was engaged as foreman on the
construction of the court house. He then came to
Wijiona, but shortly after went .South, spending
.some time in Memphis, Tenn., and in Mississippi.
Returning to Winona, he then re.'iimed contract-
ing, which he continued until IH66. The big lire
which swept over the city in 1862 brought liim

304

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

much work, aud lie was engaged in the constnie-
tion of many of the leading Iniildings of the city,
including the Winona County Bank and the Ken-
dall drug store. In 1865 he erected the Prebby-
terian Church. The following year he formed a
partnership with John II. Jones, and the first con-
tract which they took was for the erection of the
Central School. In 1867 they built the Buffner
Block, and did the brick work on the present nor-
mal school. They also did the mason work on the
North-Western Railroad bridge, carrying on most
of the work in the winter, when the river was a
sheet of ice, and furnishing employment to some
eight}' men. In 1871 the partnership with Mr.
Jones was dissolved, and Mr. Butler made a con-
tract with the North-Western Railway Company
to construct its car-shops, roundhouses, bridges,
engine stalls, depots, water-works and elevators.
In 1873, in connection with Monk & Gechler, lie
built the St. Peter Asylum, and continued in part-
nership with Mr. Monk until 1877, during which
time many large buildings were erected.

Mr. Butler was then alone in business for some
years. He served as City Marshal in 1870, but in
1880 resumed contracting, and did much work on
the big sawmills then being constructed. In 1881
he formed a partnership with John Lohse, and the
firm took a $50,000 contract for the erection of a
part of the as3'lum at St. Peter which had been
burned. In 1882 they built the Winona Wagon
Works, at a cost of $12,000, and the partnership

was then dissolved, after wliicli Mr. Butler was
alone in lousiness until 1888. In that year he was
chosen superintendent of the building of the new
court house, and was thus engaged until the sum-
mer of 188!(, when, in connection with Kred Kratz,
he erected the new Winona House, at a cost of
132,000. In 1890 he took a contract and built
the first and only brick arched bridge at Minnesota
City. This has an elliptical arch, with a span of
sixty feet, and an elevation of twelve and a-half
feet. In 1891 Mr. Butler put in some of the sewer
work in the city, and the shore piers and the ap-
proach to the new bridge. In 1893, in connection
with John Lohse, he erected the basements to the
two new wings of the normal school, at an ex-
pense of *6,800. He then acted as foreman for
Samuel Van Gorder, who had the contract for
building the levee wall along the river front.

In 1870 Mr. Butler was called upon to mourn
the loss of his wife. He has also buried five sons.
His one daughter, Josephine H., on the 3d of Oc-
tober, 1894, married Albert Chappell, a farmer of
Kasota. In politics Mr. Butler has always been a
Republican, and for four years he acceptably aud
creditabl}' served as Alderman of the citj". In
addition to his other business interests he h.is con-
ducted a brickyard for some five years, and has
traded to some extent in real estate. He is a large
man, possessed of superior mental ability, and is a
whole-souled, kind-hearted gentleman, who has
won hosts of friends.

l@), ^*^„ _©J

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPmCAL RECORD.

305

Gilbert M. Corey.

/^^ ILBKRT M. COREY wore the blue during
W^ T llie War of the Rebellion, and made a good
record as a brave and valiant defender of
the Stars and Stripes. Though he was among the
first to enlist, and served until the close of the war,
he was never wounded nor taken prisoner, though
he took part in many important campaigns, and
participated in numerous battles and engagements.
For the past quarter of a century he has been a
resident of Wiscoy Township, and is now the
owner of an excellent homestead situated on sec-
tion 28. His estate comprises four hundred and
eighty acres of land, all in one body, and this is
well improved with good fences, barns and neces-
sary buildings. In addition to the management of
his own affnii-s, he alsf) supervises the Butler estate,
a tract of about nineteen hundred acres.

The nativity of our subject occurred in Fair
Haven. Vt., Augu.st !». IH.Ut. His father, Alpheus.
was born November 2, 17'JG, and died in his eigh-
ty-eighth year. The mother, whose maiden name
was Laura Brewster, was born in June, 1808. and
died in 1882. The first years of our subject were
passerl in the town of his birth, but while he was
^tlll a mere child his father removed to New York
Slate, and there engaged in farming for several
years. Then returning to the (Ireon Mountain
Stale, he located in Wni lliirigloii County, and
there the boy received the main part nf his educa-
tion up to his eighteenth year.

In 18.57 (1. M. Corey, in cDinpany with his fa-
ther, came to this township, and here the latter
look up eighty acres of Government land on sec-

tion 26. He put up a board shanty, and for sev
eral years after his coming to the county served
as a local preacher of the Baptist denomination.
Until he was twenty years of age our subject re-
mained with his father, and then he began the act-
ive duties of life on his own account, by working
on a farm for the next tiiree years.

August l/j, 18C1, Mr. Core^' enlisted as a private
in Company D, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, and
was mustered into the service at Ft. Snelling. From
there he w.as sent to Ft. Abercronibie, N. Dak., near
which point he took part in two severe encounters
with the Indians. In 181)2 he worked on the for-
tifications and blockade, and in the summer of 1863
left with his company and went on the Sibley
Expedition, fitted out for the purpose of going
across the plains. Later he was sent to St. Louis,
where he did garrison duly and guarded Govern-
ment property until the spring of I8(!L At that
time lie was ordered to go to Kentucky, where he
arrived a few days after the battle of Paducah. On
the I'JtIi iif .lune he went to Memphis, and thence
proceeded along one of the railroads to Moscow, a
poiiit about thirty miles distant, .lune 25 he
was sent to La Orange, and from there to Tupelo,
.Miss. After taking part in the battles in and about
Na-shville, he was sent to Eastport, Tenn., then to
New Orleans, and from there to Dauphin NIand,
where he camped for a slicu-t time. For thirteen
days during the siege of Spanish F'ort he was un-
der fire, and after this arduous duty wa> obliged
to mareh all the way to Montgomery, Ala. His
long and severe service was terininaled August 16,

306

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

1865, when he received his final discliarge at Ft.
Snelling.

On his return from tiie Soutli Mr. Corey, of this
sketeli, was employed at a fixed salary by iiio fa-
ther, and had tiie management of the iatter's farms
for about thi'ee years. He was enabled to save the
main portion of his earnings, and later invested
them in a farm of two hundred and forty .acres,
lying in this township. The land was entirely un-
improved and in a state of nature. The young
man set to work with energy to improve the i)lace,
which lie cleared and brought under good cultiva-
tion. When an opportunity offered he sold the
farTu and purchased the one where he still resides.
This was in 1870, and the farm which he bought
then comprised one hundred and sixty acres. To
this he has constantly added, until his estate num-
bers four hundred and eighty acres, all in a body
and well improved.

January 29, 1866, occurred the marriage of our

subject and Miss P^sther Todd, youngest daugh-
ter of William and Mary (Crater) Todd, of Money
Creek Townshi)), Houston County, Minn. Seven
children have been born of their union, as follows:
Bertha E., who was born October 5, 1866, and died
October Ifi of the same year; Levi W., born Veh-
ruary 6, 1869; Kiza M., May 12, 1873; Guy, Octo-
ber 2.5, 1875; Roxey, .July 29, 1879; Mark, Feb-
ruary 19, 1882; and Harry. .lanuary 19. 1886.

In politics Mr. Corey has been an active sup-
porter of the Republican party since becoming
a voter. He has served his township as .Suijervi-
sor, and by holding other local oflices. Fraternally
he is identified with the Masonic order, and is a
member of the (irand Army of tlie Republic. He
is a man who merits the great respect in which he
is held by all who have the pleasure of his ac-
quaintance, for he is honorable and upright in his
dealings with one and all, and ever has the best
interests of others deeply at heart.

Rev. John Horan.

REV. .lOHN HORAN, pastor of St. Charles
Catholic Church of St. Charles, Minn., was
born in Limerick, Ireland, on the 24th of
.lune, 1849. His boyhood days were passed in his
native city, and at the age of fourteen he entered
the Jesuit Classical School, where he pursued his
studies for two years, preparatory to entering col-
lege. He then attended Ml. Mellery College, of
County Waterford, comi)leted the regular course,
and passed the examination necessary for entrance
to the University of Dublin, and for All Hallows
College, the divinity school. At that time he had

not decided to enter the priesthood, but during
the v.acation of 1867 he determined to become a
student in the latter institution, his parents strong-
ly urging hiui to enter upon the work of the church.
llespent five years in the divinity school, pursuing
a thorough course of study, and in 1872 was or-
dained for work in Melbourne, Australia.

Father Horan then sailed for that field of lalior,
and in Melbourne found a line church, the members
of which, he says, were unsurpassed for their gen-
erosity. The church had a membership of fifteen
thousand, and he was assistant at the Pro-Cathedral,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

307

with a congregation consisting mainly of English
and Irish people, but also of some F'rench andGer-
iniui. Ill- there continued his work for ten years,
when, lus health failing, he was forced to seek
a change of climate. He then returned to the
P^merald Isle, but expected to again go to Aus-
tralia on recovering his health. He remained two
years in Ireland, and in 1H84 he was transfer-
red to the United Slates. For tvvo years he w.as in
the East, then spent two years in Cincinnati, and in
1890 came to St. Charles, succeeding Falher Ker-
nan. He has two other churches under his care, those
of St. Rose of Lima, at Lewiston; and St. Peter
and Paul's Church at Hart. He gives his entire
time and attention to the work of the church, and
.St. Charles' Church is now in a nourishing con-
dition.

Father Horan is a close student aloDg the lines
of science, philosophy and history. He is often-
times considered rather reserved, but to those who
know him l)est he is a genial, companionable man.
He makes great friends of his books, and is a close
student along the deeper lines of thought. He is
much devoted to the study of resemblances be-
tween the great philosopher, touching the prob-
lems of human life, and also closely studies their
discrepancies, .\lthougli he is not a public lectur-
er, he frequently appears before audiences, and his
speeches always bring him friends. He gains ap-
proval but antagonizes no one. He is in hearty
sympathy- with American institutions, and is looked
upon by those in authorit}' as a man whose history
will be closely interwoven with the affairs of the
church in this diocese.

riartin Frederick Qensmer.

MAKTl.N" KKKDEHICK OENSMER, the
efficient and p(.pular Postmaster of Lew-
iston, Winona County, was born on the
4lli of March, 1811, in Alt-Ruedniz, Prussia, and
is a son of Martin and Caroline (Kastncr) Gcns-
mer, who were also natives of the same locality.
On emigrating to America, his i)arents settled upon
a farm in Dodge County. Wis., and after residing
there for a time came to Minnesota, locating in
Winona County in the spring of 1862. Here
they settled upon the farm in Norton Town-
ship which is still their home, and the worthy
couple are numbered among the honored and
respected (ilizoiis of the coiniiiunity. The father,
who is remarkably strong and well preserved for
one of his years, has reached the advanced age of
eighty-five, and the mother is eighty-four years of
age. Mr. and Mrs. Gensmer had a family of six
children, four sons and two daughters, as follows:
Mary, now the wife of T. Rocmhildt, of Elgin

Township; Minnie, the wife of August Hilke,
a resident of Mayville, Wis.; Martin F., of this
sketch; Louis, a farmer of Norton Townsliip, Wi-
nona County; and Henry and P. Ferdinand, who
are also agriculturists of Norton Township.

Martin Gensmer was a lad of eleven summers
when he was brought by his parents to the New
World. He remained upon the home farm and
gave his falher the benefit of his services until
about twenty -eight years of age. At that time, in
18fi8, he came to Lewiston. Minn. Here he en-
gaged in the hardware business, which he con-
ducted for a time, but on account of ill-health he
was afterward obliged to sell out. Since that time
he hits been engaged in vnrious lines of trade, in-
cluding grain dealing.

On the 2Hih of May, \X~\, Mr. (Jcnsmer was
uiiilod in marriage with Miss Mary Callies, of
Le Seuer County. Minn., a native of Dodge Coun-
ty, Wis., born in 1852. Their union has been

308

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

blessed with a family of ten children: William,
the eldest, who is now in partnership with his fa-
ther in the grocerj' and general mercantile busi-
ness in Lewiston; Emil, a tinner by trade, work-
ing in Winona; Julin, a saleslady' in her fatlier's
store; and Mary, Martin, Minnie, Amelia, Ida, Al-
fred and Grover C, all of whom are still with
their parents.

Martin Gensmer votes the Democratic ticket,
and is a stanch supporter of the principles of his
party, doing all in his power to advance its inter-
ests. He is now serving .as Postmaster of Lewis-
ton, to which position he was appointed in 1886,

serving through both the Republican and Demo-
cratic administrations. He has been Treasurer of
his township. Village Trustee, and a member of
the .School Board for several years, and in all these
offices has discharged his duties with a promptness
and fidelity that have won him high commendation.
He and his family are members of the Lutheran
Church, and are well known and highly respected
people of the community. He is one of the oldest
and most trusted business men of Lewiston, and
the development and upbuilding of the coramu-
nit}- are largely due to his earnest efforts in its
behalf.

J. R. WATKINS.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

311

J. R. Watkins.

"oS-Ti

-^^^

So"

.1

H. WATKINS, the subject of this sketch.

is the President of the .1. H. Watkins Medi-
^^ cal Companv, of Winona, Minn., proprietors

.•md manufacturers of Dr. Ward's remedies,
lie is a native of the Buckeye State, iiis liirth
having occurred at Cincinnati, on tlie 'ilst of
August, ia40. lie was reared in the state of his
nativity, spending his boyhood and youth in his
parents' home, and was educated al College Ilill,
Oiiio. In 1862 he accompanied his father's family
to Minne.sota, and became a resident of Stearns
County, where soon after they were subject t<i
great hardships on account of the Indian War.

In 1868 Mr. Watkins secured from Richard
Ward. f>f Cincinnati, the right to manufacture ."iiid
sell his remedies, and later bought nut .Mr. Ward">
entire business. For a valuable consideration lie
piirclin-cd the world-wide right to use his name !us
a trademark, and had the same registered in the
I'nited States Patent OHice at Wa-shington, I). C.
My more than twenty-six yeai> of hard labor, by
honest and upright dealing with the public nt all
times, and by the expenditure of many tliousands
of dollars in advertising, Mr. Watkins has made
his trade-mark, "l)r. Ward's," a household word in
hundreds of tliousands of homes, and has succeeded
12

in building up by far the largest medicine and ex-
tract business in the Northwest. In order to pro-
tect his own interests, as well .is those of his mul-
titudinous customers, at the beginning of the year
IH'.it Mr. Watkins incorporated his business under
the name of the .1. R. Watkins Medical Company,
placing the capital stock at yriOii.OOO. with himself
as President and Treasurer, and I'aul Watkins,
his nephew, as \ice-Piesident and Secretary. The
business is constantly increasing, and furnishes
employment ik)w to more than two hundred men.

Mr. Watkins has been in the city of Winona
since the year 188;'). In 18!l((. in order to meet the
demands of his increasing trade, he put up a large,
subst.'intial brick building, and in the spring of
IM'.ll (.'oinpleted an addition (larger than the orig-
inal building), which includes large ollices, perfect
in .-ill their appointments, forming one of the most
coinplelc medical laboratories in the country.

Mr. Watkins was married in I8()8 to Miss Mary
lOlleii lleberliiig, a native of Harrison County,
Ohio, and a daughter of (ieorge II. Ileberling,
who lived many years in the lUickeye State, but
wa-* liorn in N'irginia, of (lei man parentage. Mr.
and .Mrs. Watkins have one daughter, (Jrace.

The following facts with reference to Mr. Wat-

312

PORTRAIT ANi:) BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

kins' ancestry are of interest. His parents, Rev.
B. U. and Sophronia (Keeler) Watkins, had a fam-
ily of four, all of whom are yel living. The father
was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, in the year
181 1, and continued his residence in the state of
his birth until 1862, covering a period of more
than half a century. He followed the ministry,
and was a man of more than average ability and
power, his labors therefore proving very successful.
In the yeiir 18(52 he removed with his family to
Minnesota, where nearly twenty years of his life
were passed. From Minnesota he removed to
Cameron, Mo., where he lived a peaceful life un-
til called to the home beyond, in March, 1891, hav-
ing reached the advanced age of fourscore years.
His was a noble life, and he left to his family the
priceless heritage of an untarnished name. Mrs.
"Watkins was born at Ciown Point, N. Y., on the
shore of Lake Champlaiu, and came of a family
that settled in the northern part of the Emjiire
State during pioneer days.

.Tames Watkins, the grandfather of the suliject of
this sketch, was born in New Jersey in 1764,
eleven years before the breaking out of the Revo-
lution. In 1800 he started across the mountains
with an ox-team, and l)ecame one of those sturdy
pioneers who opened up the great state of Ohio
to modern civilization. lie was one of the first
settlers in the western part of the state, and lo-
cated on what was known as the Sims' Purch.ase,
between the Miami Rivers, at a point then called

Ft. Washington, where the city of Cincinnati now

stands. He took an active part in the develop-
ment and advancement of that region during a
long life, and his name is inseparablj' connected
with the histor> of the community in which he
lived. By trade he was a blacksmith, and brouglit
from New .Jersey the first nail-cutting machine
ever taken west of the mountains of Pennsj'lvania.
During those early days nails were sold as high
as thirty-five cents a pound. The anvil used by
James Watkins, and which he brought over the
mountains with him, is still in the family, and is
engraved with appropriate inscriptiotis, with the
names and dates of birth of the original owner,
his son, grandson and great-grandson, and will be
handed down to future generations. The death of
James Watkins occurred in 1848, at the ripe old
age of eight3'-four years.

The great-grandfather, Tobias Watkins, was born
in New Jersey, in the earlj* part of the eighteenth
century, and his entire life was there ])assed. Dur-
ing the Revolutionary War he took contracts for
furnishing beef to the army. At the end of the
war he was in possession of a great roll of conti-
nental mone^', which he is remembered to have
described as being ".as large as his thigh," and
which he burned, being utterly worthless, .as there
were no funds with which to redeem it. Mr. Wat-
kins came of a family of Welsh descent, which for
more tlian two hundred years has resided in
America.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

313

Edwin Hill.

f,^ inVIN HILL, an attoiney-at-luw of Si.

I C\ Ch.irle;*, Minn., was born on the 6th of
February, 1834, in Franivlin County, Vt.,
anr) is a son of Rufus and Mary (Farwell) Hill.
His father was a native of Troy. N. Y., and when
.T lad of nine years went with his parents to Ver-
mont, wlierc he afterward carried on farming. In
the early part of his life he also engaged in brick-
making. . By his marriage lie had a family of
twelve children, seven of whom grew to mature
years, while six arc yet living. George, who was
born October 18, 1828, is now a retired black-
smith of Kyota, Minn. Charles A.. lx)rn October !).
IH31,is now engaged in farming near Morrislown,
\'t. Iliram W. is editor of the T/mes of St. Charles.
Willard F., born March 12, 1842, was a soldier in
the late war, enlisting in the Thirty-si.\th Wiscon-
sin Infantry. After serving for about a year he
was taken sick and died in the hospital at Citv
Point. Geoigiana A., born .lanuary 9, 18,51, is
living with her mother in St. Charles. Charlena
D., born in 1853, is now the wife of K. Wheeler,
a resident of Dane County, Wis., and a brother of
Klla Whreler Wilcox, the poetess of Wisconsin.
The parents of this family were married in May,
1824, in Fairfax, Vt., where the father engaged in
brickmaking. Having saved some money, he, in
connection with his brother, purchased land and
carried on a sawmill, l)ecoming fairly well-to-ilo.
In the year IS.'ie he bade good-bye to his Vermont
home and emigrated wcstwani, locating in New
Lisbon, Wis., where bis remaining days were

passed. He was born in 1800, and died on the
18th of August. 1879. He witnessed the last bat-
tle of the War of 1812, which took place on Lake
Champlain. He was a Republican in politics, and
was a highly esteemed citizen. After her husband's
death Mrs. Hill came to Winona County, where
she is yet living, at the adv.inced age of eighty-
six, her birth having occurred in 1808. .She, too,
is a native of the Green Mountain Stale.

During his earl_v boj'hood d.ays Edwin Hill re-
mained with his parents and acquired a fair English
education, but at tlie age of sixteen he started out
in life for himself and began shoemaking in M.-js-
sacliusetts. After he had attained to man's estate
he chose as a companion and helpmate on life's
journe}' Miss Mary L. Powell, of Eau Claire,
Wis., their wedding being celebrated on the 4th
of .Inly, 18G1. The lady is a daughter of John
Powell, a native of Wales, who became one of the
early settlers of the Badger Slate.

.\t the time of his marriage Mr. Hill was serv-
ing as Sheriff of his county, and also owned a
farm, being thus quite comfortjibly situated. His
possessions were all ac(|uiied through his own
efforts, and were the just reward of his ear-
lu'st laliors. The home of Mr. and .Mrs. Hill was
bies,sed with the presence of ton children, seven of
whom are yet living. .Minnie E., lK)rn .July 12,
IH62. died <m the 18th of April, l«70. llysses
S. G., iRirn Novemlier 17. IKfil, w.is a bright young
man. and at the time of his dealli. whi<-h occurred
September 15, 1884, was employed ns bookkeeper

314

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

in his uncle's store in Eau Claire, Wis. Jennie
born October 31, 1867, is now the wife of Floyd
J. Stebbins, a druggist of Thief River Falls, Minn.
Nettie St. Ch:irles. born Maruii 14, 1870, was the
first child born in the town after St. Charles
was made a city. Maud M., born April ;iO, 1871,
was a bright and interesting little girl and loved
by all who knew her. She died December 2, 1880.
Maggie, born January 13, 1874, is now at home.
Ben F., born September 2, 1876, is employed in
the drug store of Mr. Stebbins at Thief River
Falls, Muin. Goldie. born April 24, 1879, is at

home. Bessie, born Februarj' 16, 1882, is still
under the ))arental roof. Edwin, born F'ebruary
23, ISS."), completes the family.

Mr. Hill is a member of the Masonic fraternit}-,
and has taken the Knight-Templar degree. He
exercises his right of franchi.se in support of the
Republican'party, but has never been an aspirant
for ollice, preferring to give his entire time and
attention to his business interests. He has made a
success of the law, and liold> an enviable position
among his professional brethren.

Nathan Brown.

NATHAN BROWN, who follows farming on
section 1, New Hartford Township, was
born on tiie 24th of April, 1820, in Clin-
ton County, N. Y., and is a son of Charles and
Sarah (Newton) Brown. The father was a native
of Rhode Island, and a farmer by occupation. In
the famil}' were eight children: Renolds, now of
Dakota, this county; Mrs. Mary Ouynarup, now
deceased; Nathan; Mrs. Elizabeth Baker and Mrs.
Merc3" Boyington, both deceased; Leonard, who
is living on the old h()mestead in Washington,
N. Y., which belonged to his graiulfalher; .hired.
now of Dakota, Winona County; and Sarali, wife
of James Wilson. The father of this family was a
successful man of business, lie had no educational
privileges in his youth of any importance, but was
a great Bible student, ami was a member c)f the
"Iron-Jackef Baptists. He served in the War of
1812, and his father was one of the heroes of the
Revolution. The latter lived tu the advanced age
of ninety-two years, and Charles Brown passed

away in 1870, at the age of seventy-nine. He had
a strong constitution, and death came very sud-
denly. He several times visited his children in
Winona County, and while at the home of his
daughter. Mary, he passed away. His wife, who
was a native of Vermont, died at the age of about
fifty-eight years.

Nathan Brown enjoyed no special advanl;»ges in
his youth, and from early life has been inured to
hai (1 labor. His school privileges were indeed lim-
ited. After attaining to man's estate, however, be
began to realize the need of an education, and
through his own efforts has obtained a juactical
business knowledge. He has also read quite exten-
sively, and is now well informed on the leading
questions of the day. He was still a young man
when he determined to come West. He had left
home on attaining his majority, and began work
for himself, scorning no labor which would yield
him an honest living. He was industrious and en-
terprising, and by economy and pci-severauce he

PORTRAIT AM) BICXiRAPIUCAL RECORD.

315

liad secured a capitnl of nbout $8,000 at the time
of liis removal to the West.

It was in 18-19 th:it Mr. Hiown started for .Min-
nesota, and on the 29111 of .September arrived in
Winona County, lie had obtained a permit to
t'ngajje in hnsine.s.s as an Indian trader. Land had
lieen entered by a company for a town site, and
Mr. Brown was entitled to a homestead. He also
secured one hundred and sixty acres of land on the
.same section, and afterward bought another one
hundred and sixty acres of a company, paying
¥l,!H)0 for the entire amount. He has here since
made his home, and is now the owner of four hun-
dred acres of valuable land, situated on sections 1,
7 and 12 of New Hartford Township. He was the
second white settler in the county, and during all
the years which have passed since his arrival he
has lived upon the old homestead, where he yet
resides. In his business he has prospered. He
made judicious investments in land, which he
sold when a favorable opportunity presented it-
self, and when he was thirty-six years of age, had
he sold out, he could have realized ^20,000 in cash.

In 1852 .Mr. Hrowu started for Milwaukee. He
went by boat to Galena, and thence by stage to
within thirty miles of Chicago, where he took a
train upon the first railroad which ever ran out of
Chicago. The road was built upon the old (lat-bar
system, and now forms a part of the Illinois Cen-
tral. ,\fter going about ten miles the train was
ditched, plunging down a bank about fifteen feet.
Mr. Hrown thought the railroad very treacherous,
but at length safely reached Chicago, where he
boarded a boat for Milwaukee. The object of the
journey was made known when he returned with a
bride. On the .'kl of October, 1852, he married
Kliza A. Hurtljolomew, daughter of Isaac and Tirza
(Houghton) Harlholomew, the former a native of
Vermont, and the latter of New Hampshire. In
their family were twelve children, six of whom are
yet livmj;. The father was a larmer, and both he
»iid his wife died in New York.

.Mr. Hrown would not risk his bride upon a rail-
ro.id train, but look a stage across the country from
Milwaukee to Galena, and thence proceeded by
Ixiat to his home in Dakota. On the 21st of July,
185-1, Mrs. Brown was called to the home beyond.

and on the 9th of April. 1856, Mr. Brown married
Julia K. Bartholomew, a sister of his firsi wife.
They became the parents of ten children, eight of
whom are now living. Is.aac C., born April 16,
1857, died September 23, 1864. Leslie L., born
Noveniltcr 5, 1858, is one of the leading law-
yers of Winona. Hoyt N , born January -1, 1861,
is now engaged in railroading in Arkansas. Carlos
H., born April 16, 1863, carries on farming at
home. Giles H., born January 23, 1865, is a farmer.
Cora, born December 15, 1867, is at home. Mrs.
Gracie Cass was born April 19, 1869. Dora, born
December 16, 1870, is attending school in Milwau-
kee. Arthur J., born February 11, 1874, is at
home. Evelyn. lK)rii February 3. 1876. died Jan-
uary 18, 1889.

When Mr. Brown was first married, he returned
with his wife to Dakota; here he had a two-story
house and a store, where he sold goods to the few
pioneer settlers of the neighborhood, and to the
Indians, who were his principal customers. When
Mr. Brown arrived here, Winona had not yet
sprung into existence. It was laid out in the fall
of 1850, and the first house was built bj" a Mr.
Johnson, and furnished by Capt. Orin Smith, an
old steamboat captain. Mr. Brown has therefore
witnessed the entire growth and development of
the county, and is one of its most honored pio-
neers. The land which was in possession of the
Government at the time of his arrival, and which
was the home of Indians, has been transformed into
highly cultivated farms; towns and villages have
sprung up, and the work of progress and civiliza-
tion has been carried forward, until now Winona
County occupies a leading place in the stale. Mr.
Brown has ever borne his part in the work of im-
provement, and none are more familiar with pio-
neer history in this community than he. In his
business he has prospeied. and is now in very com-
fortable circumstances.

In his social relations Mr. Brown is a Ma.son,
and in his political atliliations is a Democrat. He
was one of the first County Commissionei-s. At
the first election there were three chosen for the
olHce. The one who received the most numlier of
voles was to serve for five years, the second for
three years, and the third for two years, and wheu

316

PORTRAIT AND lilOGRAPIIICAL RFXORD.

the ballots were counted it was found that Mr.
Brown had the largest number. He served from
1853 until 1859, and in 1874 was again elected
County Commissioner. Me has never sought office,
but his fitness for tlie position was recognized by
his fellow-townsmen, and lie therefore received the
election.

The following is an unsolicited tribute from a
gentleman who is fully competent to judge of Mr.
Brown's many good qualities:

"Mr. Brown has been from the first a most rug-

ged and conspicuous figure in our history, distin-
guished for his manly courage, his lidelit}' to
friends, as well as to truth and principle. He does
not seek contention, yet. when thrust u|)on him,
he does not retire from the ordeal. He can be de-
pended upon to stand by the right &a he under-
stands it, without counting the cost. He has met
and unflinchingly faced many dangers incident to
frontier life, and if his environment should ever be
such as to require the qualities of real greatness, he
would not be found wanting in the hour of trial."

William Q. Christie.

WILLIAM G. CHRISTIE, a farmer re-
siding on section 16, Saratoga Town-
ship, has for a quarter of a century re-
sided in Winona County, and is therefore numbered
among its early settlers. He has watched its growtli
and progress, has aided in its development and
upbuilding, and much of its history is known to
him. He has a wide acquaintance in this commu-
nity, and man3' will receive with interest this rec-
ord of his life, wliich well deserves a place in this
volume.

Mr. Christie was born in Dundee, .Scotland, De-
cember 18, 1830, and is a son of James and Eliza-
beth (Gilchrist) Christie, who were also natives of
the same country. Their family numbered eight
children, six sons and two daughters. William G.
was reared in the city of his nativity, his boyhood
days being ])assed amidst play and work and in at-
tendance at the common schools, where he acquired
a fair business education. When a youth of six-
teen he accompanied his parents on their emigra-
tion to America in 1846, the family locating in

Dodge County, Wis., where the father took up
Government land. William then became familiar
with the arduous task of developing a new farm,
breaking the oak openings, and plowing and culti-
vating it until it was transformed into rich and
fertile fields, lie continued under the parental
roof until twenty-three years of age, when he be-
gan working in his own interest, being employed
as a farm hand by the month. In 1856 became to
Minnesota, locating in what is now Dover Town-
ship, Olmsted County. He settled on school land,
purchasing one hundred and twenty acres, and be-
gan life in earnest. He was one of the pioneers
of that locality, and aided in the organization of
Dover Township.

In 1861, however, Mr. Christie laid aside all bus-
iness cares and responded to the President's call
for volunteers, enlisting as a private in the First
Minnesota Light Artillery. He was mustered into
service at Vt. Sneiling on the 4th of November,
and was ordered from there to St. Louis, where he
did garrison dutv from December until March,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

317

1 862. From that time forward he was engaged in
active service. The lirst l>altle in whicli he par-
ticipated was Pittsburg Landing. This was fol-
luwfd by tiie siege of Corinth and the haltie of
that place. He was under Grant during tlie entire
siege of Vicksburg, and after the surrender of the
city, on theltli of July, di() garrison duly until tlie
following February at that place. He was next
stationed at Cairo, where the battery w.is re-organ-
ized. With his company he then went up the
Tennessee River to Clifton and across the coun-
try, joining Sherman's army at Acworth. He
was with (leneral Sherman during the entire At-
lanta campaign, participating in its many battles,
and after the surrender of Atlanta wont on the
celebrate<l and victorious march to the sea. He
was taken prisoner at Bentonville, March 21, lMfi.5.
but soon after was paroled and returned home.
At the battle of Pittsburg Landing he was wound-
ed by a minie-ball, but otherwise was uninjured.
At the siege of Atlanta, .luly 30, 1864, when the
battery to which Mr. Christie was attached had
just moved into park, a sixty-four-pound rebel shell
struck the right caisson, exploded the powder in
two limber chests and some of theshells. The ex-
ploding powder Ignited the tow plugs in the ends
of the retnaining shells in the chests. Jlr. Christie
at that moment was resting In his lent after Ihir-
ty-si.x hours' continuous service in the trenches.
One piece of the damaged caisson was blown
through the tint and landed within an inch of
his head. In the excitement he ran out bare-
headed, seizing a |)ail of water as he went, and
running to the injured caisson found the tow plugs
of the shells on tire. 'I'll is lire ho extinguished
with his hands and deluged llio chest with water
fiom Ihopail ho hiid with him, and thus, at the risk
of his own life, s.ived an unknown iiuinbor of Ins

comrades from death by thei r own ammunition.
He returned a paroled prisoner on the day of the
Grand Review at Washington, D. C, the most cele-
hralod military pageant ever seen in the western
hemisphere, and on the 1st of July, 1865, was hon-
orably discharged at St. Paul. He was a faithful
and valiant soldier, always found at his post of
duty, and ever wtire the blue with honor.

Mr. Christie at once returned to his lK>me, where
he remained until the spring of 1866. He then
came to Winona County and purchased a farm of
eighty acres on section 16, Saratoga Township;
forty .acres on section 36, St. Charles Township;
and twenty acres on section 9, Saratoga Township.
He now has one hundred and forty acres. Shortly
before his arrival here he was married, the lady of
his choice being Miss Mary B. Aimer. The wed-
ding was celebrated on the 31stof December, 1865,
and their union lias been blessed with a family of
eleven children: William A., who resides at home
and carries on the farm; David, James and Thomas,
all of whom died of diphtheria in 1880; .Jessie,
Elizabeth, Robert J., Bertie, Grant S., Richard and
Mary M.

Mr. Christie is a public-spirited and progressive
citizen, devoted to the best interests of the com-
munity in which he has so long made his home.
He has served as Justice of the Peace for some
time, and is now filling that office with credit to
himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He
votes with the Republican party, whose principles
he warmly advocates, and with the (irand Army
of the Republic ho holds membership. His time
and atleiilion aro largely given to general farming,
which lias boon his life work and which hsis brought
to him i)rosperily, making him one of the subsUin-
lial citizens of the community. All who know
him respect him, for he is a man of sterling worth.

Qi

0=

.^

^^

=0

=a

318

PORTRAIT AND BIOORAriMCAL RECORD.

John Keenan.

JOHN KEENAN is numbered among the early
settlers of Winona, and has been prominently
identified with its growth and development.
As a contractor and builder his handiwork
is seen on all sides, but aside from the line of his
business he has also aided largely in promoting the
best interests of the city. He was burn in Wayne
County, Pa., September 17, 1840, and is one in a
family of eleven children, five of whom are yet liv-
ing. His parents were .Tames and FJlizabeth (O'Far-
rell) Keenan. Tlie father, who was born in 1807,
spent thirty-five years of his life in the Ke3-stone
State, and in 1866 came to Minnesota, locating in
Winona, wiiere he spent one year. He then re-
moved to Austin, where his remaining days were
passed, and in 1879 he was called to the home be-
yond, being then seventy-two j'ears of age. Dur-
ing the greater part of his life he followed farming.
His wife was called to her final rest in 1884, at the
age of sixty-five. Their ciiildren wlio are ^-et liv-
ing are: John; Mary, widow of M. J. Riley, and a
resident of Austin; James and Joseph, wiio are en-
gaged in dealing in agricultural implements in
Austin; and M. J., a dealer in music and sewing
machines in the same city.

The da^s of his boyhood and youth .lohn Keenan
passed in his native state, where he remained until
1860, when, at the age of twenty years, he removed
to New York City. There he made his iiomo until
1867, and during a part of the time was engaged
in business as a carpenter and joiner. In tiiat
year lie came to Winona, wiiich lias been his
home almost continuously since. Hero he began

operations as a contractor and builder, and has
erected many of the most notable buildings in the
city. He has during some very bus}' seasons em-
ployed as many as sevent^'-five hands, and with
his helpers has done a vast amount of work. In
partnership with N. C. Munck he built the city
water-works and the Winona County court house,
one of the finest county buildings in the state.
Since dissolving partnership with Mr. Munck, Mr.
Keenan has built the A. F. Hodgins residence, the
Judge Mitchell residence, the Slade Block, the
American Express Building, the H. J. O'Neill resi-
dence, and many churches and other private and
public buildings.

On the 2d of April, 1865, Mr. Keenan was united
in marriage with Miss Ilonora Martha, daugliter
of James Martha, and the wedding was celebrated
in New York City. Three children have graced
their union, Anna, Mamie L. and I-co J., all of
whom are yet at iiomc.

In his political views Mr. Keenan is a Democrat.
He has long been interested in city affairs and in
public mailers pertaining to the general welfare,
but has never sought notoriety through politics.
For years ho refused to accept office, but in April,
1891, was elected Aldernian-at-large. and in 1893
was re-elected. For two years he has served as
Chairman of the board, and during his connection
with public affairs many important improvements
have been made, creditable to the wisdom and en-
ergy of the council. Fiider his administration
the city water has been carried across the river, a
bridge has been huill, and a sixty-million-gallon

PORTRAIT AND HIOORAIMIICAL RECORD.

319

pump has been placed in the water-works, while
large distributing pipes have been laid through the
city more than three miles in length. Wishing to
improve the streets hy paving them, .Mr. Keenan
was obliged to have an act passed by the Legislature,
but the undertaking did not prove too formidable
for him, and the work was accomplished. At least
nine-tendih of the stone sidewalks laid in the city
have been put in during the past three veal's. In
189.3 the board determined upon beginning the
levee improvement, which is now well under way,
and will event\ially be one of the finest levees
upon the .Mississippi River. It will be a marked

addition to the attractiveness of the city, and
creditable to the enterprise of the men wlio made

it a possibility.

Mr. Keenan is also a member of the board of the
•Hospital Association. Probably no man in the
community, especially during the last few yeare,
has taken as important :i part in the development
and progress of Winona, and the city certainly
owes to him a debt of gratitude. He is one of the
most wide-awake and enterprising men of the day,
repecled alike for his business ability, his genial
manners and his sterling worth.

Herman Canfield.

HKHMAN CANFIELD devotes his time
and attention to agriculture on his farm,
which lies partly within and partly with-
out the corporation limits of the village of Saratoga.
He was boin near Klinira, Schuyler County, N. V.,
on the 2.ith of Septemljcr, 1841, and is the eldest
in the family of nine children who.se parents were
Nelson and Jane (Durham) Canfield. The family
is of Cerman origin, but the fallu:r was born in
the Empire State. The children were Herman,
.Mvin, Augusta, Nettie, .lennie. Nelson, Charles.
Annie and Robert.

During the Brst seven years (»f his life, Herman
Cantield lived on the old homestead farm in New
York, and was linn taken by his parents to Jack-
son County, Iowa, where he remained until the
spring of 18.57. He then came to Minnesota l>y
team, and located in Saratoga Township, Winona
County. He is pi-actically .self educated, for he

attended school only in the winter season, and then
I)Ut to a limited extent. His training at farm
labor, however, was not meager, and to his father
he gave the benefit of his services until the 4th of
October, 18()4, when, at tlie age of twenty years,
he responded to the country's call for troops to
aid in crushing out the rebellion. His services
were acceiited, he was assigned to Company I),
.Seventh .MinnesoUi Infantry, and was mustered in
at Vt. Snelling, from where he proceeded by rail
and boat to St. Louis, and thence was ordered to
.St. Joseph, Mo. He then went to Sedalia, where
he joined his regiment and went on the march
after Price. The first active engagement in which
he participated w.as at Nashville, and this was
followed by the one at .Spanish Fort, and the siege
of Mobile. He was at Selma, Ala., when the news
of l>ec's surrender was received. He went through
the service as a private, and was never wounded

320

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

or taken prisoner. After the war was over he was
honorably discharged, on tlie 16th of August, 1865,
and returned to his home with the consciousness
of having been faithful to his country in her hour
of peril.

Soon after being mustered out, Mr. C'anfield
was again in Winona County, and during the suc-
ceeding five years lived on the old homestead with
his father, operating the same, and placing it
under a high state of cultivation. He was mar-
ried on the 16th of November, 1870, to Miss Mary
Ames, and to them has been born a son, Harry E.,
born December 10, 1888.

Upon his marriage, Mr. Can field rented land for
two years, after which he removed to Chatfield
and engaged in carrying the mail from that place
to St. Charles. His time was thus passed for three

years, when he again resumed farming, living on
rented land for two years. On the expiration of
that period, with the capital he had acquired, he
[lurcUased a farm of one liundred and sixty acres
in Saratoga Township, and made it his home for
two years, when he bought his present farm, com-
prising one hundred acres, lying partly within the
village limits of Saratoga.

Mr. Can field votes with the Republican party
and has always been aslanch supporter nf its prin-
ciples. .Socially he i.s connected with the Masonic
fraternity. A self-made and self-educated man,
he deserves great credit for his success in life,
which has been achieved through his own efforts
and has oome to him as the result of earnest labor,
enterprise and industry.

Henry Ruehman.

HENRY RUEHMAN, who devotes his en-
ergies to agricultural pursuits on section
32, Winona Township, is a native of Ger-
many. That country has furnished to the county
many leading citizens, prominent among whom is
the gentleman whose name heads this record. He
was born on the 9th of August, 1841, and was
reared upon a farm, spending the days of his boy-
hood and youth in the usual manner of farmer
lads. The common schools afforded him his edu-
cational privileges.

It was in May, 1866, when twenty-five years of
age, that Mr. Ruehman sailed for America. He
bade adieu to the home and friends of his child-
hood and came to the United States to seek his

fortune. With the years has come no regret over
the step then taken, for here he has i)rospered in
his business undertakings, winning a success which
would probably not have come to liira in the Fa-
therland. He first located near Chicago, digging
ditches on a farm for a niontli, after which he con-
tinued his westward journey to Davenport, Iowa.
Near that place he worked at harvesting until the
autumn of 1866, when he came to Winona. For
two j'ears he was employed as a farm hand by the
month, and was then engaged in a brickyard for
a similar period. Wishing that his services might
more directly benefit himself, he began farming in
his own interest, renting land for eight years. On
the expiration of that period he purchased one hun-

PORTRAIT AND HIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

321

dred nnd twenty acres of land on section 32, Wi-
nona Townsliip, and has since made it his home.

On the .")tli of April, 1888, Mr. Ruehin.in and
iMis!- Minnie Suckstorf were united in marriage.
Tlie lady is also a native of Germany. V\v<> chil-
dren were horn to Ihern, hut one died in infancy.
Annie, a biighl little maiden, is still with her par-
ents. In the coininunity where they live Mr. ami
Mrs. Kuehnian arc widely and favorably known
and have many friends who esteem them highly
for their sterliiii,' worth and iiiaiiy excellences of
character.

In his political afliliations Mr. Ruehman is a Re-
pul)lican. lie waiiiily advocates the principles of
that parly, and by his ballot has supported its men
and measures since becoming an American citizen.

For eight years he has been a member of the Board
of .Supervisors, and Ids long-continued service in
that office is a high testimonial to his fidelity. So-
cially he is connected with the Order of Druids of
Winona. The greater part of his time and atten-
tion, however, are given to his agricultural inter-
ests. When he came to his farm it was covered
with timber, but he at once began to clear it, and
as the trees fell before his sturdy strokes they were
replaced by grain fields, which in course of time
yielded golden harvests. Of the farm seventy
acres are now under a high state of cultivation, and
upon it have been placed many excellent improve-
ments, which stand as monuments to the progress-
ive spirit of Mr. Ruehman.

Hon. Fares B. Martin.

•H"

)N. PARKS B. MARTIN, the leading mer-
chant of Witoka, and one of the promi-
nent citizens of the county, claims In-
diana a.s the stale of his nativity, his birth having
occurred in Lebanon, Boone County, on the 25th
of February, 18.51. His father, Wesley Martin,
was born on the shores of Lake Chautauqua, in
the Empire State, and at a very early day emi-
grated to the West, locating in Lebanon, Ind.
There he owned and operated a sawmill, and had
other property. He was also a merchant, and did
a good business in commercial circles. He aft«'r-
ward removed to Jamestown, Boone County, in
that town carrying on a woolen-mill and gristmill
for about four years. On the expiration of ihat
period he came to Minnesota, and purchased a farm
in Homer Township, Winf>na Connly. in the
year 1863. Here he purchased land, on which

he made his home for about twenty years. He
was successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits,
and was a well known farmer of the commu-
nity. His wife died about four years ago, and
since that time he has made his home with his
children, who are all well-to-do ])eople. In his
undertakings he has prospered, and is now the
owner of considerable pro|)erty in Indiana, the
rents from which yield him an income more than
amply sullicient to supply all his wants.

The public schools afforded F. B. Martin his
edncalionnl privilege*. He came with his parents
to Minnesota and remained with them until about
eighteen years of age. when he started out to make
his own way in the world. Returning lo his birth-
place, he was there engaged in selling goods for
the Grange store, of which he had charge for about
a year and a-half. He then returned to Minne«iota

••322

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and aided his fatlier in carrying on a farm. He
also became a music teacher, being for a year and
a-half engaged as a vocal instructor. As a com-
panion and lielpniate on life's journey, he chose
Miss Jennie Smith, hoin February 25, 1856. a
daughter of C. P. and .lane Smith, who were na-
tives of New York, and now reside in Watertowu.
S. Dak., where the father carries on agricultural
pursuits. The wedding of Mr. and IMrs. Martin was
celebrated on the 14th of October, 1877, and their
union was blessed with two children, but Pearl,
the elder, who was born August 7, 1878, died F'eb-
ruary 7, 1879. Earl F., born July 14, 1890, is a
sturdy little fellow of four summers.

Mr. Martin embarked in general merchandising
in Witoka in 1886, with a very small capital, but
lie has constantly increased his slock to meet the
growing trade, and now has about 16,000 invested
in the store. He is ever fair and honest in his

dealings, and courteous in his treatment, and his
pleasant, genial manner and earnest desire to please
have won linn a large trade, which is constantly in-
creasing, lie is a very enterprising and public-
spirited man, and lias recently erected "a fine hall
at a cost of ><2,5O0 for the purpose of giving his
fellow-townsmen a place of entertainment. lie la-
bors earnestly in the interests of the community,
and his support and co-operation are withheld
from no worthy enterprise calculated to be of pub-
lic benefit. In fact, he is a prime mover in many-
such undertakings. Socially he is connected with
the Knights of Pythias lodge and the Masonic fra-
ternity. In his political views he is a Repub-
lican, and was elected to the Legislature in the fall
of 1894, obtaining a plurality of some two hun-
dred votes in a district having an average Demo-
cratic majority of over two hundred, thus run-
ning about four hundred ahead of his ticket.

Joseph D. Ball.

JOSEPH D. BALL, a farmer of Saratoga
Township, residing on section 9, is a native
of New York. He was born in Chautauqua
County, on the 14th of November, 1843, and
was six years of age at the time of his parents' re-
moval to McKean County, Pa. There he grew to
manhood and in its })ublic schools acquired his
education. He started out in life for himself when
sixteen years of age, and from that time forward
has been dependent on his own resources, so that
the success he has achieved in life is due entirely
to his own efforts.

Mr. Ball was found among the defenders of his

country during the late war. He watched with
interest the progress of events which preceded that
struggle, and his sympathies were all with the
Union, so that when the attempt at secession was
made he resolved to stand by the Government, and
hardly had the smoke from Ft. Sumter cleared
aw.ay when, on the 2lst of April, 1H6L he re-
sponded to the call for three-months troojis. He
was assigned to Company A, McLean's F^rie Regi-
ment, and was stjitioned at Pittsburg during his
lirst term. On the expiration of the three months
he re-enlisted as a member of Com|iany G, One
Hundred and Fiftieth Pennsylvania Infantry,

PORTRAIT ANIJ BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

323

known as the Pennsylvania "Bucktails," or sliarp-
sliooters. This was in August, 1862, and he was
mustered into service at Ilarrisburg, Pa. The first
engagement of the regiment was at Kredericks-
liurg, wliich was followed by the battle of C'lian-
L'L'llorsville and lliat most important battle of the
war, (ietty^burg. There Mr. Hall was wounded by a
minie-ball, a shot entering his right arm. lie was
taken to the (ield hospital, and thence sent to a
hospital in Philaclelpliia, where he was forced to
remain from July, 1863, until May, 1864. He was
then placed on detached duty and went to Wash-
ington, where he served as an Orderly until the
close of the war. His services being then no longer
needed, he was honorably discharged, on the 2yth-
of June, 1865.

Mr. Ball at once returned to his home in the
Keystone State, where he remained until March.
1866, when he came to Winona County and lo-
cated in Saratoga Township. For two years he
rented land, and then purchased one hundred and
sixty acres on section 2.'i. which he subsequently
sold, and bought the farm upon which he has since
made his home. This was an improved farm, and
Mr. Ball applied himself to its cultivation until
September, 1894, when he sold out foi* the purpose
of retiring from active farming. Success attended
his effortvH, and he not only placed his land under
a high state of cultivation, but also added to it
until he had three hundred and three acres, all in
one body.

On Christmas Day of 1867 was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Ball and Miss Augusta F. Smith,
daughter of Thomas .S. and .lulia A. (.Scott) Smith,
who were natives of Cattaraugus County, N. Y..
the former Imhii .lune 30, 1824. and the latter
March 13, 1H2.'). The paternal grandfather, .lohn
Sniilh, was a native of Kngland, and c:ime to
America when a child <>( twelve years. Mr. and
Mrs. 'i'honias Smith married November 23, |M4."i,
and became the parents of seven children: James
I)., who is engaged in the biitchcriii}; business in
llumbiildl, Iiiwa; Augusta F., now Mrs. Ball; .lulia
A., wife of Kdgar llf)wes. a resident of Klltnglon,
Iowa; .John T.. who is living with his parents;

William W. A., who is engaged in the butchering
business in Fertile, Iowa; Wealthy A., wife of
Stephen Streeper, who makes his home in Elling-
ton, Iowa; and one who died in infancy. The father
of this family was a blacksmith and cooper by
trade. He made his home in New York until 18.51,
when, by way of the Lakes, he went to Milwaukee
and thence diove across the country to Freeport,
Iowa, where he established a blacksmith and cooper
shop. There he carried on business for ten years,
after which he purchased a farm in Hancock
County, Iowa, where he now makes his home. He
owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, but
leaves its cultivation to his son, while he lives re-
tired. He is a Republican in politics, has served
as a member of the Board of Supervisors, and is a
highly respected citizen.

To Mr. and Mrs. Ball have been born three chil-
dren, and the family circle yet remains unbroken
by the hand of death. Monroe, the eldest, is a resi-
dent farmer of Saratoga Township; Nellie is the
wife of Edwin Smith, who resides in St. Charles,
where he is engaged in clerking in a store; Dwight,
who completes the family, is still at home. The
parents are prominent and highly esteemed citi-
zens of the coraraunity, and their friends in this
locality are many.

Mr. Ball has always atliliated with the Repub-
lican party, and by his ballot supports its men
and measures, but has never been an aspirant for
olHce, his time and attention being fully occupied
by his business interests, in which he has prospered.
Socially, he is connected with the Masonic frater-
nity and with the tiiaiid Army of the Republic,
lie manifests a commendable interest in public af-
faire, especially those calculated to promote the
general welfare, and is as (rue to his duties of citi-
zenship In times of peace as in days of war. His
record as a soldier is an honorable one, for he val-
iantly followed the t)ld Flag on many a Southern
battlendd, and even after disabled for active serv-
ice stood by his country until the Stars and .Stripes
were victoriously planted in the ca|>iLal of the
confederacy.

324

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Samuel Brammer.

AMUKL BKAMMKK is numbered among
the early settlers of Winona, and for long
years has not only witnessed the growtli
and deveK)|iinent of this county, hut has also aid-
ed in its progress and advancement. He therefore
deserves mention ainony: its foundei"s, and his
sketch deserves a place in il.-i history. Mr. Hrani-
mer was born in Newark. Nottinghamshire, Kn<;-
land. Auj^ust 18. lH2;t, and was the sixth in a fani-
dy of eight children wliose parents were .luhn and
Sarah (Taylor) Brammer. The father was a shep-
herd, and died at the a<,'f of about sixty years. The
mother passed away when about seventy-live 3'cars
of age. Of their children, .John and Sarah are still
living in Kngland: Tlminas and Klias are now de-
ceased; Edward makes his lu)nie in Canada; Sam-
uel is the next; and Mary and Klizabeth are still
living in Kngland.

Mr. Brammer of this sketch attained his educa-
tion in the common schools of his native land, and
remained at home until seventeen years of age,
when he started out in life for himself. lie (irst en-
gaged in railroading in Scotland and Wales, and
was thus employed until the spring of 1849, when
he bade adieu to the friends and home of his
childhood, and in a sailing-vessel crossed the At-
lantic to the New World. Here he sought and ob-
tained employment on the construction of the
Hudson River Kailioad, being thus engaged for
six months. On the expiration of that period he
visited his brother in Genesee County, N. Y., where
he continued until the spring of I80O, when he
emigrated westward. Mr. Brammer later took up

his residence in Chicago, which was then but a
small town, and for a short time worked in a liv-
ery stable. He was afterwards for a limited period
employed on the farm, and then rented land in Mc-
Henry County, 111., where he carried on agricult-
ural pursuits in his own interest for three years.
Returning to Chicago at that time, he then secured
work with a drainage companj', building plank
roads for two years.

On the expiration of that period Mr. Brammer
sought a home in Wisconsin, removing to Sauk
County, where he bought one hundred and sixty
acres of land. After a short time, however, he
came to Winona, where he has made his home dur-
ing the greater jjart of the time since thesunimer
of 18.56. He worked at the car|)enter's trade until
1859, after which he engaged in railroading in
Missouri for a time. He also served in the engi-
neer corps for about six months in North and .South
Carolina, after which he returned to Winona, be-
ing made foreman of pile-driving for the Winona
it St. Peter liailroad, a position which he held
for eleven years. He then had charge of the
wrecking car' for five years, and for a time had
charge of the construction of bridges. He has
since been engineer on the drawbridge at Winona
across the Mississippi River, in which capacit\' he
is now serving. He is a faithful and conscientious
business man, always true to his duties and to the
trust reposed in him.

Mr. Brammer has been twice married. In Feb-
ruary, 1819, lie was joined in wedlock with Miss
Mury Smith, who at her deatli left a daughter,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

325

Evelyn, who is still residing with her father. In
August, 1862, Mr. Brauiuier was again married, his
second union being with Miss Elizabeth Smith, of
Winona, wiio died at the age of fifty yeare. To
them were born tive children. .lessie, who was grad-
uated from both the high school and state normal
school of Winona, lias now been tlieelllcient Prin-
cipal of the Jefferson .School of this city for live
years; Sallie is also a graduate of the state normal,
and is now successfully engaged in teaching in the
Madison School of Winona; William S. is station
agent of the Winona & St. Peter Railroad at .Itynes-
ville, Minn.; and Mary and John are yet at home.

The Republican party receives the support of
Mr. Brammer, who has advocated its men and meas-
ures since its organization. Socially he is connected
with Winona Lodge No. 7, 1. 0. O. F., and is a faith-
ful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
Those who know him esteem him higlily for his
sterling worth, and he has the respect and confi-
dence of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
The history of the community has been familiar to
him from an early day, and in the development of
the county he has ever manifested a commendable
interest.

Jacob Haesly.

JACOB HAESLY, a n)anuf."icturer of cigars in
Winona, embarked in business for himself in
1.S8!), and now enjoys a good trade. He is
enterprising and progressive, and is ranked
.imong the leading business men of the city. Mr.
llaesly is a native of Switzerland, his birth having
occurred in the land of the Alps on the 16th of
.Tuly, 1846. His parents, Jacob and Catherine
(Bumgartner) Haesly, had a family of nine chil-
dren, of whom he is the eldest. The father was a
carver by trade, and carried on business along that
line in the Old Country- until 1848, when he bade
adieu to friends and native land and wiUi his fam-
ily sailed to America. He first located on a farm
in Green Countj', Wis., but now, at the age of sixty-
nine years, is living a retired life in Dodge, Wis.
He has been successful in his undertakings, and has
acquired the capital which enables him to lay aside
business cares and yet enjoy the comforts of life.
His wife has now reached the age of seventy-two
years.

Of the family of this wortiiy couple two died in
childhood. The others are: Jacob, of this sketch;

Paultis, a resident farmer of Rochester County,
Minn.; Frederick, who carries on a farm and is also
proprietor of a hotel in Dodge, Wis.; Katie, now
deceased; John, who is engaged in the manufacture
of cigars in Winona; Casper, a resident of St. Paul;
Maiks, who is living in Winona; and Christina,
who died in early girlhood.

The gentleman whose name heads this record
was a child of only two years when by his parents
he was brought to America. In the usual manner
of farmer lads he was reared, and in the district
schools of the neighborhood he acquired his edu-
cation. To his father he gave the benefit of his
services until 1862, when, at the early age of six-
teen years, he responded to the President's call for
troops to aid in crushing out tlie rebellion. His
services were accepted and he was assigned to Com-
pany K of the Second Wisconsin Infantry, in
which he served until the close of the war. He
was present at Appomattox Court House at the
time of General Lee's surrender. In the hotly con-
tested Battle of the Wilderness he was wounded in
the right arm by a gunshot, and was taken to the

326

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Columbian Hospital in Washington, wliere he re-
mained for about tliiee months. As soon OvS he had
sutticieutly recovered he hastened to rejoin his regi-
ment, with which he continued until the cessation
of hostilities. He partiei))ated in tweuty-two liard-
fought engagements and many of lesser importance,
and took part in the siege of Richmond. Although
so young when lie entered tiie service he was true
to his oath of allegiance, and men whose years were
double his own showed no more bravery when be-
fore the cannon's raoulii than the farmer boy.

After being mustered out of the service, Mr.
Haesly returned to Madison, Wis., and eugaged in
the cigar business, which lie had followed for two
years before the war. In October, 1867, he came to
Winona, and remained in the employ of others until
1889, wlien he embarked in business for himself.
He had acquired the necessarj' capital through in-
dustry, perseverance and economy, and his business
career is that of a self-made man. He employs three

workmen and enjoys a, good trade, which yields to
liim a fair income.

On the 9th of March. 1877, Mr. Haesly was joined
in wedlock with Miss Emma A. Surdan, of this
county, and to them have been born two children,
a son and daugiiter: Clayton .1., born March 11,
1879; and (ioldie Emma, born on the 20th of Au-
gust, 1884.

Mr. Haesly holds membership with Winona
Lodge No. 18, A. F. it A. M.; Winona Chapter No.
5, H. A. M.; Creur de Leon Commander^' No. 3, K.
T., all of Winona; and the Order of the M^'stic
Shrine of Minneapolis. He was quite prominent
in Masonic circles. He also holds membership with
the Odd Fellows' society of Winona. In local pol-
itics he takes quite an active interest and votes
with the Republican party. He is a loyal citizen,
and is as true to ever}' duty as when on .Southern
battlefields he followed the Old Flag.

,-+++ . +++■.

++++ ^^ ++++

•++++ ++++

•■^++ .... . t++-'

f HE. NEW YORK

P^mc LIBUKY

_*^«. LENOX A*,D

H. A. COREY.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

329

++++ +++++++++++++

•5"i-+++ •}•+++ +++•!• ++++

Hamden A. Corey.

++++++++++++ +*+-j- +

— + +•!••!•++•}••{•+ •!•+•!••}• •!•*++

HAMUKN A. COREY is one of the old set-
tlers of Wiscoy Township, Winona Coun-
ty, for he lias made his home within its
boundaries, upon his present lionieslead, for up-
wards of forty year.-*. When he came here in Ibb.'t
he took up three hundred and twenty acres from
the Government in company with his brother Syl-
vester. It was necessary ff>r him to begin farming
in an humble way, ami his lirst home w."is in a log
cabin. 15x18 feet in dimensions. Indcr il^s roof
lie lived until lH69,when he removed to the house
which is still his residence, and which w.-is the lirst
one built of brick in this township.

The birth of our .subject occurred in Northamp-
ton, Mass., .lanuary 2o, IH22, his parents lieing
Key. Alphcus 1'. and Lilly (Pratt) Corey, natives
of MassachusetUs. They were mairied in the Hay
Stale, and to them were born six children, luimely:
Almira, Mrs. Johnson, of I,h Crosse, Wis.; .Iiilia,
wife of Rev. I). Wilson, also of Wisconsin; Sylves-
ter, whose home Is in Money Creek Township.
Ilonstou County, Minn.; Augusta, wife of llar-
13

inon Waldron, of Winona; Minerva, deceased; and
our subject. The mother of these children died
in \M'.i, when llnmden was only eleven years old,
and "his father afterward married a Miss Brewster,
by whom he had three children. lie followed the
shoemaker's trade, and being an industrious and
enterprising business man, gained a good compe-
tence for himself and family, lie had been a I'ree-
Will Haptisl pieacher for many years.

Our subject passed his early ycai-s on a farm.
and received his preliminary education in the dis-
trict school. Later he attended a seminary at Bris-
tol, Racine t'oiinly. Wis. (hi attaining his major-
ity, he began working for farmers by the month,
and continued so doing until he came to the West.
This event occurred in the spring of 18)((, the
journey being made by the canal and the Lakes as
far as Kenosha. Wis. Koi- a time he workeil on a
farm in Bristol Township, Kenosha County, taking
a place on shares, and during this period he went
to school lliroiigli the wiiil"r months. In I84H he
returned to New York, and was there until the

330

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

following year, when he moved upon a piece of
Government land in Winnebago County, Wis.,
which he had entered in 1847. The tract com-
prised one hundred and twenty acres, and on a
cleared piece of ground lie erected a shanty witli
some lumber which lie had obtained, and there
he resided until 1855. when he sold out, and with
three j'oke of oxen started for JMinnesota. Soon
after his arrival here he became a permanent farmer
of Wiscoy Township, where he h.as since been en-
gaged in general agricultural duties and stock-
raising.

May 29, 1849, Mr. Corey married Miss Lydia
Page, and of their union were born three children:
Sylvester A., who lives in Mitchell, Iowa; Wheeler,
a merchant of Wheeler Station, Iowa, on the Wi-
nona & Soutli-Westerii Railroad; and Alice, who
married Alfred Jewell, and died on the 23d of
March, 1894. Mrs. Lydia Corey died July 3, 1854,
and on the 29th of the following October our sub-
ject married Miss Pliu'he A. Place. Their mar-
riage was blessed with tlie following children:
Came, who became the wife of Clark P. Wood, a
farmer in the state of Washington; Clark G., who
is a member of the firm known as the Winona Con-
struction Company; Etta, wife of Frank B. Hol-

brook, a real-estate dealer in Portland, Oregon; and
f)ne who died in infancy. The mother of these
cliildren was called to her final rest in JanuarJ^
1885. The present wife of our subject was for-
merly Mrs. Betsey Airron. daughter of Joshua and
Salley (Iladley) Emery, a native of Vermont.

In 1870 Mr. Core}' was elected to represent this
district in the State Legislature, his name being
placed on the Republican ticket. His fidelity to
the interests of his constituents resulted in his
being re-elected in 1872, and this time also he
made for himself a good record. For some two
terms he served as County Commissioner in the
early days of his residence in this place, and be-
fore the organization of the townships he served
as Justice of the Peace. At various times he has
held minor local offices, sucli as Township Assessor,
Road Overseer, etc. From the first he has been
prominently identified witii the upbuilding and
development of the community in whicli he dwells,
having .assisted in laying out roads and used his
voice and influence in favor of everything which
would elevate mankind and tend toward the pros-
l>erity of this region. He has long lieen a faithful
member of the Free-Will Baptist Church, and takes
a great interest in its growth and good works.

Dingman Speelman.

DINGMAN SPEELMAN, of Winona, is one
of the honored pioneers of the count}-,
having since an early day resided with-
in its borders. Forty years have passed away
since his arrival, and therefore he lias seen not
only the growth of the towns and cities, but has
watched with interest the transformation of wild
land into beautiful homes and farms, and has seen
the march of progress and civilization, bringing
ill its wake schools and churches, business enter-
prises and commercial industry. He has always

manifested an interest in the advancement of the
county, and among its early settlers is well de-
serving of mention.

Mr. .Speelman was binn Oclober lo, 1811. in
Naanistede. island of .Schouwen, Zealand, in the
kingdom of the Netherlands, and the days of his
childhood and youth were spent in his native land.
No event of special iiniiorlance occurred. He was
early inured to hard labor, and his life has ever
been a busy and useful one. He continued in the
Netherlands until Ihirly-fnur years of age. when

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

331

be came to America. The day that witnessed his
embarkation Vas an important one in his career,
for he lias undoubtedly attained a success in the
New World which he would not linve acliieved in
the Old. He settled first in New York, where he
worked as a farm hand and on the canal for sev-
eral years. Later he removed to Cleveland, Ohio,
where he spent three years, and in 1855 he came
to Winona. Here he has been employed in vari-
ous ways. For a time he engaged in gardening,
and subsequently in digging wells. He now car-
ries on a boarding-house, and in this business is
meeting with success.

In the year 1844 Mr. !Speelman was united in
marriage with Miss Minnie Dewder, who for many
years traveled life's journey with him, but in 1885
was called to the home beyond. Thirteen chil-
dren were born of this union, but ten of the num-
ber are now deceased. Minnie, the eldest, is the

wife of B. Maceman, whose sketch will be found
on another page of this work; John is now a resi-
dent of Ues Moines, Iowa; and Jane is the wife of
John Keeker, who is living in Winona.

Mr. Speelman affiliates with the Democracy, which
he has supported since becoming an American citi-
zen. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and
is now the oldest member of the congregation in
Winona. He owns a pleasant home, and is one of
the honored pioneers, throughout the community
being held in the highest regard. His long resi-
dence here has made the people familiar with his
honorable, upright life, and has gained him uni-
versal conlidenee and esteem. He has never had
occasion to regret the fact that he left Ins na-
tive land for the New World, and no native citi-
zen of \merica is more loyal to this land and its
free institutions than Mr. Speelman.

Lewis B. Ferrin.

LKWIS !5. FKRRIN. who is now living in
O -"^t. Charles, but for many years carried on
farming in Winona County, is a native of
the far-off state of New Hampshire, his birth hav-
ing occurred in Hebron, on the 2d of February.
1820. His parents were Aaron and Phd-be (.lack-
son) Ferrin, the former also born in the (Iranite
State, and the latter in the .stale of Maine. The
father was a farmer and land-owner in New Hamp-
shire. He was tiorn August 25, 177i», and died on
the 22(1 of SeplemtH'r, 1854. His wife, who was
born .September 2.'5, 1778, passed away March I,
1855. They had a family of twelve children, ten

of whom reached maturity, but the subject of this
sketch is the only one now living. liradden. born
November 1, 179II, lived to a very advanced age,
but never came West. Hannah, born February .3,
IKOl.diedin ISIG. Alice, born March 3, 1802,
died in infancy. F.nos, born .lune 15, 1803, died
.laiiuary 18, 1837. Jeriisha, born December 13,
1804. died April 14, 1887. Aaron, born April 24,
1807, died December 8, 1H42. Freeman, lM»rn
April it. 1809, came to the West and spent his last
days in .St. Charles. Minn., where he pa.sscd away
Oflober 7. 1874. Ciiinmings, born .S('pt.i'niber 1.1.
IKHI, died June 2*;, 1837. Waller F.. born June

332

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

7, 1812, died in California. Loderaa, Ixiin .luly
21, 1814, died Mairli II. 1«81. in Lewiston, Wi-
nona County.

The parents of this family were married .Janu-
ary 3, 1798. Mr. Ferrin was then in very limited
circumstances, but lie possessed energy and enter-
prise, and by the assistance of his estimable wife he
became fairly well-to-do. He was an hotiorahle,
upright man, was a faithful member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Churcli, in which he served as
Class-leader, and all of his children became re-
spectable men and women. He gave them good
educational advantages, and they never brought
disgrace upon the untarnished family name which
he left them.

Upon the old home farm Lewis Ferrin was reared,
and to his father he gave the benefit of his serv-
ices until nineteen years of age. He then started
out in life for himself, paying his father for one
year's time, after he had earned that sum. After
his marriage his parents came to live with him
and found there a pleasant home for about twelve
years, when the son decided to remove to the
West and they went to live witli their eldest son,
at whose home their last days were passed.

Lewis Ferrin was married on the 28th of Febru-
ary, 1841, the lady of his choice being Miss Mar-
garet D. Brown, a native of New Hampshire and
a daughter of Deliverance and Mary (Emerson)
Brown, both of whom were also natives of the old

(Iranile .State. The father died when Mrs. Ferrin
was quite young. He was twice married, and by
his first union had three children, while by the
second marriage twelve children were born. The
mother lived to the age of about eighty-four years.
In 1855 Lewis Ferrin started with his wife for the
West, and on the 10th of June they located in
Warren, Winona County. Here our subject pur-
chased a claim, paying 11,000 for three hundred
and twenty acres, on which he made his home un-
til November, 1867. He then sold out and re-
moved to Mankato, where he purchased a iiome,
but not long after he again bought a farm in this
neighborhood, continuing its cultivation until the
fall of 1893, when he removed to .St. Charles,
where he has since lived retired.

Mr. Ferrin has been honored with some public
offices of trust, having served as Postmaster while
living in New Hampshire, and as County Com-
missioner and Supervisor in Winona County, while
for three terms he tilled the office of Alderman.
In his political views he is a Democrat and warmly
advocates the party principles. He has improved
three farms in this county, and now owns one of
the neatest homes in St. Charles, where he is living
retired, enjoying the rest wh''ch he has so truly
earned and richl}' deserves. His life has been an
honorable and upright one, and all who know him
esteem him highly for his sterling worth and strict
integrity.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

:i:iS

Joseph Reynolds.

ICJSKHl HKYNOLUS. deceased, was for many
years widely known and highly respected by
the citizens of Winona County. Ills honesty

and integrity were proverbial, and won liini
the confidence and regard of all with whom he
was brought in contact. He was born m Sullivan
County. N. Y., .June H, 1819, and died P'ebruary
21. 1H9I. in the seventy -second year of his age, his
I0S.S being widely and deeply mourned. He was
reared on a farm in New York. His brother Silas
was of late a large stock-grower of Aurora, 111., and
his brother Isaac also lived in Aurora. In early life
Joseph and his brother .lames left home and came
to the West, and the latter died in Aurora some
six years ago. On leaving the farm they bought
a slock of groceries at Buflfalo, and o|)eiied a coun-
try store in the state of New Y'ork, which they
conducted for a year. They afterward carried f)n
a tannery and a gristmill. .James having received
an injury, the brothers drifted apart, James going
to .Vurora, while .losepli went to Chicago.

It was in 1851) that Mr. Rcynoliis.of this sketch,
took up bis residence in Chicago, which was then
a small place without railroads, and the traders had
no good facilities for transportation. He visited
all the country trading points buying furs, riding
from one place to another on horseback through
lowB, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He was always
quick to lake advantage of opportunities afforded
him. and this characteri.stic was one of ihe impor-
tant factors in his success. He carried on a pron-
perous business as a fur-trader for some time, and

then engaged in the grain trade, his western head-
quarter being at McGregor, Iowa, but his main
place of business was in Chicago. He bought grain
all along the northern part of the river, everything
being put in sacks and shipped by boat to Prai-
rie du Chien. where he handled his grain by means
of the Chicago, Milwaukee cir St. Paul Railroad
elevator, from whi.ch he loaded cars for Chicago.
As the steamboat owners did not handle his grain
to suit him, he began to load barges of his own,
which he hauled with a small steamer which he had
built for thai purpose. Mr. Reynolds was famil-
iarly known as "Diamond Jo," which came from
his special mark upon the sacks of grain. At that
time buyers usually marked each sack of grain in
a certain wa^-, and Mr. Re^-nold's mark was a dia-
mond, inside of which was the name "Jo." This
soon liecame familiar over a wide extent of territory,
and he Wiis thereafter called "Diamond .lo," a name
which he also gave to his steamer. His business
was usually conducted under the names of other
men. He was the "company" of the great gram
Arm of Ikssitt, Hunting A' Co., of McGregor, Iowa,
the predecessor of the present tirm of Hunting A-
Co. This tirm had a line of elevators on the Mil-
waukee Road into Iowa and Dakota. At Winona
The business was under the name of Iv H. .Strong
A Co., and the concern operatcil all of the Chicago
dt North-Western elevator lines as far west as Sleepy
Kye, having the busine.ssof what is now the M.-irlield
Klevator Company, the .McNeill (iiain Company
:ind the Winona Mill Company. At Winona as high

334

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

as Iwoinillion bushels of grain were liancl led iiisome
seasons. Tliis firm also had an extensive river trade,
extendinj^ from Cassville, near Diibuiiuc, and in-
cluding all points north to the first town below
St. Paul. i\Ir. Strong liad previously been employed
in buying grain at Brownsville, near La Crosse. lie
was afterward called upon to take charge of the
business in Winona, and soon became a partner, but
when the (irst 3ear was over he withdrew, although
the name of E. 15. .Strong & Co. was retained and
he continued an employe. In 1878 he went to
Chicago, and the business was then carried on by
Mr. Reynolds until 1881, when it was transferred
to Dubuque, and became the business of the E. M.
Dickey Company, which handled a large line of
elevators on the Illinois Central. Mr. Dickey had
been superintendent of the boat line, and had
formerly been connected with Mr. Reynolds in
the grain business at points below Dubuque.

In other business relations Mr. Ke3'n(ilds w.as also
found. lie was a member of the Chicago Board of
Trade, and one of the successful operators on the
same. In 1867 he started the "Diamond Jo" line of
steamers, in order to secure better transportation
for his grain. At first he only hauled grain down
the river, but soon started an agent in Chicago to
solicit consignments of goods to take up the stream,
and the result was very successful. He had five
regular jjassenger and freight boats, valued at about
$100,000, besides about thirty barges, costing $4,-
000 each, with a capacity of from eight to twelve
thousand bushels of grain. In later years nearly
all of the grain was handled in bulk. About |i350,-
000 was invested in the steamboat business, and
employment was furnished to from five hundred
to six hundred men. E. M. Dicke}' served as Su-
perintendent, and is the present manager of the
Reynolds estate, which continues the steamboat
business, but has recentlj' closed out the line of
elevators to the O'Neill Grain Company. Mr.
Reynolds always gave his per.sonal attention to
both the steamer line and grain business. lie made
Chicago his headquarters, but was usually on the
river or visiting the points where he had elevators
or bought grain. He also attended personally to
sales in Chicago, so that the entire business was
under his supervision.

About 1876 Mr. Re^'uolds became interested in
mines in Georgetown, Colo., but that venture did
not prove a success. Later he became a stockholder
in mines at Leadville, and there won back all that
he had lost in mining ventures. He afterward met
a mine-owner in a hotel in St. Louis and bought a
mine in Arizona, for which he paid $50,000, but it
proved to be a salted one and he lost it all. He
then purchased the Congress Mine, a group of eight
mines at Congress, Ariz., and incorporated the Con-
gress Gold Mining Company, with a capital stock
of $600,000. He put in about $350,000, but this
was all reimbursed to him, and the mines have re-
cently been sold for ¥1,000,000. The steamboat
business having proved successful, he turned his
attention to railroads in 1875. He visited Hot
Springs, and finding no road at that place, he se-
cured a charter for building what became the Hot
.Springs Narrow Gauge Railroad, for a distance of
twenty-two miles. This required an investment
of $300,000, but proved a great success financially.
It was afterward made a regular gauge road, and
the capital stock was increased to $600,000, most
of which was owned by Mr. Reynolds. During
the time of the construction of the road he made
his home in Hot Springs. He would carry in a
little grip-sack the money with which to pay oflf
all bills, and the Hot Springs Road was probably
the only one whose obligations were promptly
met, the road never having any debt of any kind.
No man gave more close or careful attention to the
details of business.

Some time before his death, Mr. Reynolds sank
an artesian well in the beautiful parkin McGregor.
Iowa, and placed therein a fountain. He always
considered MclJregor his home. With the Demo-
cratic party he voted, but was never prominent in
political affairs. He was reared in the faith of the
.Society of Friends, and always adhered to it^ prin-
ciples. He was undemonstrative, retiring in dis-
position, and never very talkative. When he suf-
fered loss he would merely remark, "It's tough,
boys," and with renewed energy begin work again.

At the age of about twenty-six Mr. Reynolds
wedded Mary Morton, wlio still survives him.
They had one son, Blake, who died of consump-
tion in May, IHiU), in his twenty-eighth year. Mr.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

335

Reynolds was fond of a good story and possessed a
genial, pleasant nature, which won for him friends
wherever lie went. For some time lie was in poor
health, and in 1891, accompanied by Jay Morton,
his brotlier-in-law, and Marshall Ney Pierce, he
started for Arizona, intending to visit liis mines at
Congress. On tlie way he was attacked by pneu-
monia, and was forced to remain in Phoenix, Ariz.,

for a week. After a two-days drive across the
country to Congress he felt quite tired, and the
next morning complained of headaclie, but his ill-
ness was serious, and he grew steadily worse until
at ten o'clock i-. m. on the 2 1st of February, 1891,
he passed away. His remains were taken back to
Chicago, and he was laid to rest in Mt. Hope Cem-
etery.

Hans Hanson.

HANS HANSON, deceased, was for many
years a well kiutwii citizen f)f Wint)na
County, and w.is highly respected by all
will) knew him. He was born on the •29th of Ue-
ceinber, 18.30, in South Lan, Norway, and in his
native land was reared to manhood. No event of
special importance occurie<l during his boyhood
and yiiulh. His educational privileges were meager,
being those afforded by the common schools, but
he always endeavored to keep himself well iii-
f" limed on tt>pic of general interest.

Having arrived at years of maturity, Mr. Hanson
wa.s married, in (Jctol>er, 1849, the lady of his
choice being Miss Christine Myhrie, a native of
Norway. Their wedding was celebrated in that
land, and there thi-v remained until the following
year, when they bade adieu to earlj' friends and
sailed for the New World. That was before the
days of steanicis, and after a long voyage in a sail-
ing-vessel they reached the harbor of Quebec. On
reaching thi.s country they at once made their way
to Wisconsin, where they spent the Micceeding
fifteen years of their lives. On the expiration of
that period they crossed the Mississippi into Min-
nesota, and located on section 9, Homer Township,
where Mr. Hanson purchased two hundred ami

eighty acres of land. He afterward bought eighty
acres adjoining the first purchase, and thus became
the possessor of a valuable tract of three hundred
and sixty .icres, all in one body. He crossed the
Atlantic a poor man, and began life in a strange
country without capital, but a i)air of strong arras
and willing hands stood him instead of money, and
he at once began work. The success which comes
as the result of industry, perseverance and good
management crowned his effort* and made him
one of the prosperous farmers of the community.

To Mr. and .Mrs. Hanson were born nine chil-
dren: Hans, now of this county; Ola, at home;
Mrs. Mary Larson; Mrs. Annie Thompson, who
departed this life on the "i.Sd of .lune, lS9a, leav-
ing live children; Mi-s. Tillie Krickson; .Mrs.
Angle Bergh; Mrs. Christine Bergli; Hannah, wife
of Kric Halriid; and Mi-s. Minnie (iilbertsiui.
Mr. and Mrs. H!ilrud now occupy the old home
farm. They were married on the 9th of December,
l«91,and their union has lieen blessed widi two
children: (Jilberl, iMirii .May 0, 1893; and Bertine,
May 3, 1894. The parents are well known and
highly respected people, and their friends in the
community are many.

In his political views Mr. Hanson wjis a Hepub-

336

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

licun, find \v;unily advocated the principles of llie
party, but never sought political ])refei)nent. In
his religious belief he was a Lutheran, and was a
consistent member of the church with which he
lield membership. He iniglit truly have been
called a self-made man, for his prosperity was the
result of Ills own earnest application and untiring
labor. lie continued to carry on farming and
stock-raising until his death, which occurred on
the 12th of April, 1878. Many friends mourned
his loss, for they knew him to be a high-minded
gentleman, of sterling worth and strict integrity.
Mrs. Hanson, who was born in Norway, on the

llth of Marcli, 1828, still s\irvives her husband,
and bids fair to live for many years to come, for
she is well preserved, both physically and men-
tally. She, too, is a member of the Lutheran
Church. Her life has been devoted to her family,
who know her to be a faithful and loving wife
and mother. At the time of this writing she is
visiting with her daughter in Wisconsin, but makes
her home on the farm in Winona County. The
children are doing well in life, and all are mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church, and highly respected'
people.

William Parkhurst.

WILLIAM PARKHITRST, one of the in-
telligent and highly respected farmers
of Winona County, now living on sec-
tion 31, Winona Township, and one of its oldest
citizens and honored pioneers, was born in P'rani-
ingham, Mass., on the 30th of .June, 1803. lie was
reared upon the old homestead, and at an early
age began work in the fields, so that he was soon
familiar with all the duties that fall to the lot of
an agriculturist. On attaining his majority, with
the tide of emigration which was steadily Howing
westward, he made his way to Illinois, which was
then one of the frontier states. He there engaged
in teaching school for a number of j'ears, and also
carried on farming until 18;')3, when he came to
Minnesota. His first settlement was made in Kill-
more County, where he secured a homestead claim,
on which he resided until 1865.

lu the spring of that year Mr. Parkhurst came to
Winona County, where he has since made his

home, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land in the Oilmore Valley, constituting his
present farm. He was married on the 16th of
March, 1837, the lady of his choice being Miss
Hannah Work, who died, leaving two children,
Henry and William. The former now resides in St.
Louis County, Mo., but the latter was called to the
home beyond during his boyhood days. After the
death of his first wife, Mr. Parkhurst was again
married, October 2, 1841, Ins second union being
wfih Miss Laura Smith, a native of Vermont, born
in Williamsiown. Six children graced this union:
Alice, now the wife of A. C. Smith, a resident of
Sargent County. N. Dak.; Charles, who is still on
the home farm: llariict, wife of E. (). Maxham,
who is located in Winona; Alfred, wlio is living
on the old homestead, which he operates in con-
nection with his brother Charles, the two taking
care of their parents in their old age; Emma, wife
of .1. H. Richards, of .Seward, Neh.; and Lizzie, wife

PORTRAIT AM) niOORAPIIICAL RECORD.

33:

of Henry Robinson, who is also living in Sargent
County, N. Dak.

Mr. P:irkiiin>t is (U'scendcd fioni a family which
traces its iiiiccstry bacl4 to rjeorge I'arlcliiirsl, wlio
was born in England, and in 1643 sailed from ills
native land to America. His wife comes from a
family which has long been established in the New
World. The Parkhursts are noted for longevity,
and the gentleman whose name lieads this record

has now reached the advanced age of ninety-one.
lie has long resided in Winona County, and has
become widely known. Throughout the commu-
nity he IS held in the highest regard, and the his-
tory of Winona County would be incomplete with-
out this sketch of one of its oldest and most
honored citizens. Both he and his estimable wife
are members of the Congregational Church.

Frank L. Randall.

FRANK I,. RANDALL, the honored and
ellicient County Attorney of Winona
County, is numbered among the native
sons of Minnesota, his birth having occurred at
Ft. Ridgel}-, Nicollet County, November 20, 1H56.
Ills grandfather, William Randall, was a native of
\ormont, and was prfibably of Englisli descent,
lie served in the War of 1H12, and made farming
his life work. His death occurred at the age of
seventy. The maternal grandfather, I'rban 1$.
Ausknu Lange. was a native of Copenhagen, Den-
mark, and came to America abijut 1828, locating
in rinlail('l|)hia. lie was a practical watch-maker,
surveyor and inventor. Removing to Illinois, he
located near Quincy about 1831), and there died
in 1«.')K, at the age of seventy. He was a great
hunter, taking much delight in that sport.

Hcnjan)in Randall was born in thc(ireen Mount-
ain .'^tate. aiirl having arrived at mature years he
married Wilhelmina 11. Lange, a native of the
Keystone State. They became the parents of eight
children, seven of whom are yet living, namely:
Mary Louisa, wife of (icorge 11. Noble, of Winona;
Frank L., wife of Dr. B. M. Randall, of Graceville,

Minn.; Rev. William K., o( Si. Louis; Richard A.,
a Well known lawyer of Winona; Dr. Henry R.,
deceased; A. Josephine, a teacher and elocutionist;
and Freili, of Winona. The father was a school
teacher in Missouri for many years, afterward ran
a canal-boat and subsequently engaged in merchan-
dising in Peoria. Later he moved to Ft. Snelling,
Minn., where he was engaged in liusiness as a sut-
ler for four years. For three terras he served as a
member of the Territorial Legislature. In 18.i3
he went to Ft. Ridgely, where he remained until
18()7, whri) the fort w.as abandoned. He then en-
gaged in manufacturing and merchanilising until
1889, wlien he removed to Winona, where he has
since made his home. He served with the citizen
soldiery during the Indian War at Ft. Ridgely,
where, in connection with .1. C. Ramsey, he com-
manded the defensive forces. He is one of
the pioneers of the state, and belongs to the Old
.Settlers' Association of MinnesoLn. He belongs to
the Masonic fraternity and to the Odd P'ollows'
society, and at St. Peter he was President of the
.Schotil Board. He also served as .Mderman and
Mayor, and in 1883 was a member of the I^gis-

838

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

lature. He is recognized as one of tiie prominent
citizens of tliis state, and is widely and favorably
known.

Frank Randall was reared in St. Peter, Minn.,
and after acquiring his early education in its
public schools he entered St. John's College, of
Prairie du Chicn, Wis. He followed farming from
the age of eighteen until twenty-three, after which
he engaged in teaching school for some years. At
length he determined to enter the legal profession,
and in 1875 began reading law with G. S. Ives, of
St. Peter. In 1880 he was admitted to the Bar, and
immediately opened an office at Trac}-, Minn.'
where he continued practice for a year. The suc-
ceeding five years were passed in New Ulm, where
he did a good business, and in 188.5 became to
Winona, and formed a partnership with Mr. Taw-
ney, the connection continuing for live years. In
1893 he was joined by his brother, Richard A., and
they now do business under the firm name of Ran-
dall & Randall.

On the 3d of May, 1886, was celebrated the

marriage of Frank Randall and Miss Winona E.
I'ieree, dnughler of /. B. and Mary E. (Ross)
Pierce. Three uhiKlren have been born to them:
llortense. Cotter and Mary. Mr. Randall is a mem-
ber of the Catholic Church, and in politics is a
Democrat. In November, 1892, he was elected to
the office of County Attorney, which position he
is now filling in a creditable and acceptable manner.
At the early age of twenty \"ears he was appointed
County Superintendent of Schools of Nicollet
County, and was elected to that oHlce in 1877.
He has taken an active interest in educational
affairs, aided in building the large school in Tracy,
and was a member of the board when the New
L'lm school was built. The best interests of the
community ever find in him a friend, and the
county finds in him a valued citizen and worthy
official. At the Bar his ability is also recognized.

Michael Einhorn.

MICHAEL EINHORN, a farmer residing
on section 30, Homer Township, is one
of the worthy citizens tliat Germany
has furnished to America. He was born in Selz,
April 8, 1828, and is a son of Peter Einhorn,
also a native of Germany. Having airived at
years of maturity, the father there married Mar-
garet Wisham. He was a contractor and builder,
and followed that business in his native land until
1814, when, with the hope of bettering his finan-
cial condition, he sailed for America. Locating in
Cook County, III., he there purchased land and
turned his attention to farming, which he carried
on up to the time of his death. He passed awaj'
in March, 18ol, and left a widow and six children
to mourn his loss. He was the owner of one hun-

dred and sixty acres of land, and upon his farm
his wife remained for two years, when she. too,
passed away, in March, 1853. The parents there-
fore did not long enjoy their new lu)nR'. Fpon
the mother's death the heirs sold the property, re-
ceiving for it about ^8 per acre.

Michael Einhorn continued a resident of Cook
County until 1862. He was a young man of six-
teen years at the time of his emigration to Amer-
ica. When he had attained his majority his father
gave him ?200 in money and hv started out in life
for himself. He first turned his attention to farm-
ing, but soon after went to Chicago, where for
fourteen years he was employed by the McCormick
Bindery Company. He was frugal and industrious,
and, saving his earnings, he had on the expiration

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

339

of that period a not inconsiderable sura. As bo-
fore slated, lie left Cook County in 1862, and came
111 Wiiidim County, Minn. In Wilsfni Townslii])
he piircliased one hundred and forty acre.-; of land
at $10 per acre, and upon that farm made his home
for five years. In the mean time it had more than
doubled its value, and he sold out for ^35 per acre,
thus realizing a good profit. He next purchased
a quarter-section of land in Wilson Township.
This was an unimproved traul. for which he gave
^5 per acre. Not a furrow had been turned there-
on, but with chnracteiislic energy he began its de-
velopment, and the raw piairie was soon made to
j'ield to him bounteous harvests in return for the
care and labor he bestowed upon them. Kor (if-
teen years he continued its cultivation and made
it a valuable tract. At length he sold out for
^4,000 and removed to Winona, where the two
succeeding 3'ears of his life were passed. On pur-
chasing another farm he became the owner of a
one hundred and sixty acre tract, on which he
made hi* home for four years. He then sold thai
property and bought the farm on which he now
resides.

On the 6th of May, 1851. Mr. Kinhorn was
united in marriage with Miss Barbara Kraudwick,
daughter of Arnold and Annie (Schwartz) Kraud-
wick. IJolh parents were natives of Germany, and
came from Prussia to America in the year 1843.
They kicalcd on a farm in Cook County, III., where
they made llicir home for some time, and then came
to Winona County, settling in the town of Wilson,
on the Cliattield road. There Mr. Kraudwick en-
gaged in keeping a tavern, which was largely pat-
ronized by the traveling public, and therefore
yielded to him a good income. He carried on bus-
iness along that line until liis deatli. which occurred

on the 2d of February, 1867. His wife met her
death October 29, 1880, when seventy-nine years
of age, being cruelly murdered by robbers, who
killed her and then took all her money, which
amounted to a considerable sum, as she did a
large business and handled considerable cash. The
rogues also fired the house, but it did not burn.
Mr. and Mrs. Kraudwick had four children, of
whom two are now living.

To Mr. and Mrs. Kinhorn were born fourteen
clnldien, of whom the following are living, the
others having died in infancy: Michael, born Oc-
tober 11, 1856; Mary, November 24, 1859; Tracy,
November 8, 1860; Annie, August 29, 1863; Ilenr}-,
Septembers, 1865; Elizabeth, Ai)ril 2,1867; So-
l)hia, May 18, 1869; Bernard, December 20, 1871;
Herman, May 22, 1873; Catherine, March 7, 1875;
and (icorge, May 22, 1877. Michael was married
April 11, 1882, to Anna Carpenter, after whose
death he married Mary Koenig; Tracy became the
wife of Nicholas Lombard, April 13, 1885; Annie
wedded Conrad Koenig, October 12, 1886; Mary be-
came the wife of Bernard Weiser, November 13,
1888; and Henry was married to Bertie Harvey,
November 13, 1891.

.Mr. Kinhorn is a self-made man and deserves
groat credit for his success in life. He started out
empty-handed, and, depending enliicly upon his
own resources, he has steadily worked his w.ay up-
ward, overcoming the ditliculties and obstacles in
his path by diligence and earnest effort, and thus
has won prosperity. He is not only recognized as
a leading farmer, but is also one of the progress-
ive and public-spirited citizens of the county. In
his i)olilical views he is a Democrat, and he and
his family are members of the Catholic Church.

••MO

PORTRAIT AND BKX^RAPHICAL RECORD.

James Holt.

JAMES HOLT, a prominent farmer and stock-
raiser of Winona County, now living retired
in the village of Utica, was born on a farm
in Somerset County, Me., November 19, 1825,
being the second of six children born to the union
of Timothy and Betsy (Smitt) Holt, also natives
of Maine. The children in order of birth were:
Sarah, Mrs. Stephen Judkius, deceased; James, our
subject; Mary J., the wife of Taylor Davis, a farm-
er of Maine; Mehitable, Mrs. George Shafton, also
of Maine; Alvira, wife of Otis Emerson, a hatter
residing in Methuen. Mass.; and one that died in
infancy.

The Holt family originally resided in P^ngland,
hut emigrated to America in an early day and set-
tled in Maine. The parents of our subject were
very poor, and in 1863 they came to Minnesota,
where they made their home with tiieir son .laines
until tiiey died. The fatlier departed this life in
1874, and the mother passed away in 1879, be-
ing laid to rest beside her husband in the
Utica Cemetery. Both were consistent members
of the Reformed Church. In politics he was a
Democrat, and a firm iieliever in the principles of
that party.

.Tuly 14, 1853, James Holt married Miss Thirza.
daughter of John (i. and Thirza (Smith) Dugley,
natives of Maine, and of Englisli ancestry. The
family removed to Wisconsin in 1850, and settled
in Green Lake County, where Mr. Dugley bougiit
some land and proceeded to make a home for iiis
family. That county was then in its primeval
condition, and its clearing and cultivation neces-
sitated a large amount of hard labor and persever-

ance. The father was called to the land beyond
May 21, 1876. The mother is still living and is
quite active for one of her years (eighty-five).
Mrs. Holt was born in Franklin County, Me., April
25, 1835, and is an amiable and estimable ladj'.

The family of Mr. Holt consists of four chil-
dren. Newton M., who was born May 24, 1854
was a carpenter and bridge-builder, and formerly
was with the American Bridge Company, but is
now living retired in California. Leroy J. was
born September 6, 1855, and now resides on the
old homestead in Winona County. Alvira was
born January 27, 1858, and is the wife of D. M.
Brown, a stenographer of Minneapolis. Willard
F., whose birth occurred M.ay 23, 1860, is a carpen-
ter and builder of Sioux Falls, Iowa. Walter K.
was born .June 24, 1.S73. and du'd .laniiaiy 17,
1881.

In 1849 Mr. Holt started westward from Maine,
and the following year reached Wisconsin, stopping
in Green Lake County. He was young and energet-
ic, willing to work at anything honorable whereby
he might get a start in life. For eleven years ho re-
mained in Wisconsin, being employed at various
occupations during that time, but mainly engaged
as a farmer. Bv industry and economy lie was en-
abled to save a neat sum of money, and when, in
1861, he came to Winona County, he was enabled
to purchase one hundred and seventy-five acres on
section 12. St. Charles Tnwnship. The land was
in its primitive state, and all tlie improvement.-*
now on the place were put there by our subject.
In this undertaking he was very successful, and
added from year to year to his possessions until he

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

341

became the owner of three hundred and thirty-live
acres of as valuable farm land as can be found in
the county. One l-.undred and seventj'-five acres
of this he still retains, the remainder belonging to
Lis son Leroy.

F'or a number of years Mr. Molt carried on gen-
eral farming and stock-raising, making a specialty
of sheep and Norman horses. In this line of in-
dustry he was one of the most successful men in
the county, and also became widely known in the
state. In 1882 he retired from active farm life,
giving over the management of the farm to lii»

son Leroy. For some time after coming to Utica
he emploj'ed his leisure time in working as a black-
smith, which trade he had learned in his youth,
lie IS not obliged to woik, having accumulated a
sufficient amount of this world's goods to keep him
and his family in comfort for the remainder of
their diiys, but it is an utter impossibility for him
to remain idle. Politically he is a stanch Poi)ulist.
He is public spirited and ever ready to assist in all
the needed improvL'rnenls of his home locality, and
is highly esteemed in the commuiiily in wlii(;li he
lives.

Mrs. Ruth M. Cogswell Rowell.

MRS. HI Til M. COGSWELL UOWKM,
is a direct descendant of the Ht.-lloii.
Sir Uumplirey Cogswell, otherwise Lord
Humphrey Cogswell, of England, to whom, in
11 17, was first granted the coat of arms which ap-
perlaineth to the name of Cogswell. Paintings of
these ensigns armorial are still reUuned in the
family. She is of the seventh generation iti de-
scent from .lohn Cogswell, who was born in West-
bury, I.«igh, County of Wilts, England, in liV.t2,
aiifl who married, September 10, 161."), Kliz;ibelli
Thompson, daughter of Rev. William and Pliillis
Thompson. Rev. William Thompson, the father
of FMizabetli Tiuinipsoi) (the great maternal ances-
tor of all the descendants of John Cogswell), was
vicar of. the Westbury parish uhurciT from 1603
to 1623, the lime of his death. Westbury parish
church was very ancient, dating to the time of
William the Conqueror. Westbury, England, was

granted its charter of incorporation by Henry IV.
The place is of great anli(iuity. It occujiies the
site of the old Roman military and trading station,
V^erUicio. It is ninety-eight miles from London.
The name is of .Saxon oiigin, and here, according
to tradition, w.as the palace that belonged to the
West Saxon kings. The inhabitants are supplied
with water from springs and a small stream that
(lows into the Avon. On the register of the West-
bury pariah church are found recorded at this date
the marriage of .lohn Cogswell and Elizabeth
Thompson, as also accounts of the baptisms and
burials of their ancestors.

Edward Cogswell, the father of .lohn Cogswell,
was a man of wealth, and bequeathed not only
large sums to his wife and children, but also cer-
tain sums to his godchildren. His wife, who sur-
vived him less than a year, on her deceaae l>e-
queathed not only property to her children and

342

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

godchildren, but also sums to Westbury Church
and to the |)()or.

John Cogswell with his wife and children eni-
baikcd on board a ship, May 23, 1635, at Bristol,
England, and sailed for New England. He took
with him from England farming implements,
housekeeping utensils, valuable pieces of carved
furniture, embroidered curtains, damask table linen,
much silver plate and a Turkey carpet. He also
brought several farm and household servants, and
sums of money. He settled in Ipswich, Mass.,
where in 1636 we read of a grant of three hundred
acres of land being given him, as also deeds of lots
for building purposes. Mrs. R. M. C. Rowell's
great-grandfather, Nathaniel Cogswell, was a lead-
ing merchant and pioniinent citizen of Haverhill.
Mass. He married, January- 31, 1740, Judith Bad-
ger, the only surviving daughter of Joseph and
Hannah (Peaslee) Badger, her father being also n
merchant in Haverhill, M.ass. Her mother was a
woman of culture, having been a member of the
first high school taught in Boston, Mass. Nathan-
iel Cogswell was a man of integrity and business
capacity, and deeply religious, as was his long line
of ancestry. His wife was a person of commanding
figure and cultured manners. After a successful
business life he retired in 1776, and settled in At-
kinson, N. H., where he at once became active in
establishing religious and educational institutions
in the town. Prior to the completion of the meet-
ing house (to which completion he contributed
freel^'), meetings were conducted in his own house.
During the Revolutionary War his patriotism was
shown by his advancing large sums of money to
provide equipments and provisions for the soldiers.
These loans of money, by reason of a depreciated
currency, prove<l almost a total loss. Besides pro-
viding money, Mr. Cogswell gave eightsons to the
army, who served with distinction, and fulfilled an
aggregate term of service of more than thirty-
eight years, said to be the longest rendered by any
family in the country. They were tall men, their
aggregate height iiieasuring lifty feet. They all
survived the war and became prominent in profes-
siimal and civil life.

Mrs. Howell's grandfather, Hon. Thomas Cogs-
well, was born in Haverhill, Mass. He married.

February 26, 1770, Ruth Badger, daughter of Gen.
Joseph Badger, of Gilmanton, N. H. They at first
resided in Haverhill, Mass., but at the close of the
war he purchased a farm and built a frame house
(said to be at that time the best house in the state)
near his father-in-law in Gilmanton, N. H. The
house is still standing, with furniture in it fur-
nished by him, and all in good repair and occupied
by Cogswells.

Hon. Thomas Cogswell was a commissioned oflB-
cer in the arm}- of the Revolution during the whole
war. He was Captain, then Major (.Fanuary 1,1777),
then Lieutenant-Colonel (November 26, 1799) and
afterward Wagon-master General. He led a com-
pany in the battle of Bunker Hill, was present at
the siege of Boston, and continued in the service
until pe.ace was declared. We subjoin an extract
from a letter penned by George Washington:

"Majoi Cogswell has always been represented to
ine as an intelligent, brave and active officer."

"Given at headquarters, June 7, 1881.

(Signed) "GE0R<iB Washinuton."

At the close of the war his country called him
into another sphere of action. When peace was
declared, as a citizen he displayed such firmness
and benevolence, with all that goes to characterize
a good statesman, that he was at once called upon
to hold offices of trust. He was twice nominated
for Representative to Congress from New Hamp-
shire. He filled with dignity and honor the office
of Judge of the Court of Common Ple.as from
1784 to his death in 1810. His great generosity
to the first Congregational Church while living
I donating them a sacramental service, as well as
other presents), and respect to his memor}', in-
duced the church to erect a stone to mark the
spot of his burial. (For confirmation, see the book
entitled "Cogswells of America.")

Rev. Frederic Ctigswell, the father of Mrs.
Riiwell. an ordained minister in the Christian
Church, was the son of Hon. Thomas Cogswell, of
(iilmanlon, N. H. He commenced his work in the
(iospi'l ministry while a young man. He married,
.May 1«, 1817. Hannah Rogers Peavey, daughter
of Col. Anthony Peavey, of Farmington, N. H.

.Mrs. Rowell was burn in the tiiwn of Pike, .\lle-
ganv County. N. Y.. March 3. \X->\. in which

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPEDCAL RECORD.

343

state her parents then resided, her father being
engaged iu evangelistic work, in compan)' with his
cousin, Joseph Badger, editor of the Christian Pal-
ladium, and his brottier-in-iaw, .loiin L. Peavey.
Vrhen she was two years of age lier parents re-
turned witli tier to New Kngiand, where she was
reared and educated, licr parents and all her peo-
ple being New Englanders. When she was nine
years old she gave her lieart to Christ in a meeting
led by her faliier (in llie liouse of Robert Foster,
editor of tlic Christian Herald) in the city of Ports-
mouth, lier fatlier being pastor of the Ciiristian
Church in that city. I n tiie schools of Portjiraoulli
she received much of her early education, which
was afterward continued in tiie academy at Rocli-
ester, N. II. While attending this sciiool she had
the privilege of being with her father's only sis-
ter, the wife of Hon. Nathaniel rpham. Mrs. Up-
liain was a noble woman, and did much to mould
the character of her niece. She was the mother
of Prof. T. I'pham, of Rowdoin College, and sev-
eral other illustrious children.

.lune 9, 1844, the lady whose life is here given
married Warren Rowell, son of lion. Charles Row-
ell, of Allenstown. N. II. In 18.51$ they removed
with their children to Homer, Winona County,
.Minn. In 1H.56 she commenced her work in the
ministry, thus following in the footste])s of her
ancestors, her parents both being preachers. When
her maternal grandmother died it was said in a lo-
cal pa[)er that she was a mother in Israel, seven of
her children having been preachers. Mrs. Rowell
was for some lime pastor of the Advent Christian
Church in I'tica. also in Winona. .She at length
resigned her position as pastor, and went on a num-
ber of inis.sions West and .South, having preached
llieCiospel in nine difTeient slates. .Slic has wrillen
articles for publication which have been printed in
nine different papers in different stales. In I«!tl,
from a sense tif <hity, she retired from the ,\dvent
Christian Church and Sin te Conference, and by let-
ter united with the Pree-Will Baptist Cliuich of
Winona; she also became a member of the Yearly
.Meeting, with which she is still connected. .She w.is
a meml)er of the Woman's Christian Temperance
I nion almost from it» organization. In 1KH8 she
wa.s ap|K>inted President of the Woman's Chris-

tian Temperance Union for Winona County. In
.June, 1889, she was elected President of the First
District Woman's Christian Temperance I'liion,
which ollice she held until .April. 1h;)1. when a sad
bereavement, and also a call to more effectual evan-
gelical work in the ministry, induced her to re-
sign that position. While holding that ottice
she traveled largely over the four counties com-
prising it, organizing unions and lecturing on tcin-
pciance and different departments of Woman's
Christian Temperance Union work. Though now
over seventy-three years old, she is still busy,
l)reaching the (iospel of Christ from time to lime,
doing evangelical work, Sunday-school work, and
also stale and local work for the Woman's Chris-
tian Temperance Union. She is Slate Superintend-
ent of Hospitals, and is also earnestly engaged in
the local and quarterly mission work of the Free-
Will Bai)list Church, having been elected Presi-
dent of the Quarterly Mission Board.

We subjoin the following extract from a Wi-
nona County History piinled in the year 1883. "In
connection with the earlj- histoi-}- and settlement
of the town of Homer, there is no name, jierhaps.
that figures innrc prominently than that of Mother
Rowell. Born of illustrious parents, she was reared
and ediiealed in all that appertains to true woman-
hood, and inherited from her ancestors those great
moral and intellectual traits of character which
enabled her in after years to wield such .an influ-
ence in the wilds of the West, thai unltorn gener-
ations will yet feel. • • • The education of the
people in Christian and moral principles h.as been
the life work of Mrs. Powell; but few women, in-
deed, could stand to do the amount of missionary
work that she has done, and nothing but a strong
will power, supporled by the sustaining inllueiice of
an all-wise Providence and the convictions of right,
could have sustained her in the performance of the
amount of |ihysjcal labor re(|Uired of her in at-
tending to her itinerant life's work; always ready
at a little warning to go to the sick-room, anrl
soothe the dying with wonls of cheer, preach the
funeral .sermon and attend the last .sad rites of the
dead, meanwhile speaking words of hope and con-
solation to ilie living; then again on the roslrum or
pulpit, explaining the great mysteries of salvation

344

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

through Christ; and when we reflect that she lias
done all this at great pecuniary sacrifice to herself,
we must conclude she is a sincere worker in the
Master's cause. Besides her ministerial duties, she
has given birth and reared to honor five children,
two of vvhom are now dead. The eldest, .Alarv
Adeline, graduated in the normal school in Wi-
nona, taught three years in the public schools in
the city, and also taught in the collegiate institute
at Red Wing. She married an estimable gentle-
man of that place, and now resides there, llcr
second child, Fred C, is also a graduate of the
normal school at Winona. He taught success-
fully several district schools, married an accom-
plished young lady in Pleasant A'alley, by the
name of Anna M. Preston, and now lives upon
the farm with his father. Her third child, Anna
iM., a highly educated young lady, was also a
teacher, and for her amiable qualities was very
highly respected. 8he married E. G. Lord, son

of the County Superintendent, O. M. Lord, but
their earthly lives were soon cut short, she dying
in a little over a year, leaving an infant son, and
he soon followed, both dying of consumption.
The fourth child diet! at the age of thirteen
months. The fifth and last. Warren C, is now at-
tending the city schools at Red Wing, and is a
very promising boy, and expects to graduate next
year. Who can say that Mrs. Rowell has not done
her part in the Christian work and development
of Winona County, and in the education of the
youth in all those virtues that adorn society and
form the palladium of our civil and religious
liberties? May her life be spared to continue the
good work."

Mrs. Kowell's youngest son, Warren C, has
graduated with honor from the State Univereity
at Minneapolis, and has his business office at Nos.
108 and 409 Boston Block, Minneapolis, Minn.

THE NEW YQRR

™uc librIIy

fTO«, LENOX ANO

S. D. VAN GORDER.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

347

^<^.l^

AT

3i&3iea!& ^1^ ms ^& ^!& 31& aie as&a^aieate (5=^

'l

^ 5. D. Van Qorder. ^ i

h^

*:& ^& ^^ sis ^» s^ 3» ^^ aif aie ^^ 3)^ .^ (jjW

^>--»"

•-« — ;^^

^>' D. VAN GORDER. of Winona, is the
ty^ owner of extensive stone-quarries along
the Mississippi, and takes large contracts
for furnishing stone for river improvements. He
is a man of excellent business ability, ami hi.s dil-
igence, enterprise and good management have
brought him a success of which he is well deserving.
Mr. Van Gorder was born on the 4th of Novem-
ber, 1837, in Chemung County, N. Y., and is a
son of Jonathan and Klizal)eth (Wcsthrook) \:u\
Gorder. The grandfather, Jeremiah Van <iordei-.
W.1M rme of three brothers who emigrated from Aiii-
slerdam. Holland, to .Vmerica long before the Kev-
olution. He .settled in New Jersey, and when the
Colonies tried to throw off their yoke of Hritish
tyranny, ho joined the Colonial army and served
with distinction as an ofllcer of the Revolution,
lie died some years after independence had been
achieved, from the effect of wounds received in
battle.

Jonathan N. Nan Gorder was born in Sussex
County. N. .1., in I7H.5, and when nineteen years
of age removed to New York, with a colony locat-
ing in Chemung County, where be spent his re-
14

maining days. He was a shoemaker by trade, and
followed that occupation in early life, but later
bought a sawmill and engaged in the lumber busi-
ness for many years. After retiring from active
business life, he came to Winona and spent his last
years with his son, S. I)., in whose home he passed
away in 18(54, at the age of seventy-nine. He was
for years one of the leading citizens of Chemung
County, public spirited and progressive. Mr. Van
(Jorder married Miss Elizabeth Westbrook. daugh-
ter of Hon. James Westbrook. who served .as a
incmber of the Legislature in 1812, at which time
the slaves were set free in New York. He was one
i>( the most prominent and inlliieiitial cilizen.i of
the Empire iState. and his name wa-s inseparably
connected with il.s early history. His father, Maj.
Lowell Westbrook, won his title while serving
in the Revolutionary army, under Washington.
He was a member of the .State Senate of New York
while his son was serving in the Hou.se, in 1812.
Mrs. Van Gorder died in I8,5'.t. In lier family
were ten children.

At a very early age S. I). \aii (iorilcr started
out in life for himself, and when a youth of fifteen

348

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he was captain and owner of a boat on the Erie
Canal. At tlie age of sixteen he became Postmas-
ter in the village where he then lived, and was rec-
ognized tluuiighout the coinnnmily as a young
man of imich promise and ability. Industry and
(•nlt'r|irise have been numbered among his chief
characteristics through life and have been impor-
tant factors in his success.

In .June, 1856, when eighteen years of age, Mr.
Van (iorder emigrated westward and cast in his
lot with the early settlers of Winona, where he has
made his home almost continuously since. He has
been connected with many of its leading industries
and business interests. He helped to build the
st()ne road to Sugar Loaf and was later one of the
promoters of a sash, door and blind factory, estab-
lishing ihe enterprise in company with Messrs.
Simpson and Evans. lie then embarked in the saw-
mill business with L. C. Porter, and this partner-
ship continued for four years, after which he en-
gaged in contracting for the construction of rail-
roads. In 1861 he established a lumber-yard,
which he conducted three years and then sold out.
He then entered the employ of the railroad com-
pany as superintendent of the timber and lumber
department, receiving for his services $200 per
month and expenses. After a year and a-half he

was taken ill with typhoid fever and for six
months was unable to do any work. He then se-
cured a charter for a ferry-boat across the Missis-
sippi, which he ran until 1880, and then sold to the
city. During that time he also owned a steamer.

In later years Mr. Van Gorder has taken many
Government contracts to furnish stone for river
improvements, and is engaged in the stone-quariy
business. He now owns thirteen hundred acres of
land along the Wisconsin bank of the river, oppo-
site the city, in which are fine stone-quarries, and
to their management he now devotes the greater
part of his time and attention. They yield an ex-
cellent quality of stone, which finds a readj' sale in
the market, and the income derived therefrom has
made the owner one (.f the prosperous citizens of
the community.

Mr. Van Gorder exercises his right of franchise
in support of the Democratic party. In early life
he took an active part in politics, but does not do
so at present. In 1887 he was elected Cliief of Po-
lice for a two-years term and in 1 880 was re-elected,
serving in all for four years. Since 1864 he has
been a member of the Masonic fraternity, and now
belongs to Winona Lodge No. 18, A. F. it A. M.;
Winona Chapter No. 5, R. A. M.; and Co'ur de
Leon Commandery No. 3, K. T.

Henry S. Cox.

HENRY S. COX, landlord of the Nicollet
Hotel, St. Charles, Minn., was born De-
cember 25, 1866, in Saratoga Township.
Winona County, Minn. lie is a son of Henry H.
and Cliastina (Stevens) Cox. both of whom are
natives of Vermont.

Our subject remained at home with his parents
until he was twenty years of age. He then en-

gaged as a bridge-builder on the Chicago. Milwau-
kee it St. Paul Railroad, l>ping thus engaged for
about four years, and later was employed by the
South-Western Railroad. He was married,. lune 7,
1894, to Mary Williams, a daughter of P. II. Will-
iams and a native of New York. Mr. Cox is now
proprietor of the Nicollet Hotel, and is the owner
of one hundred and sixty acres of land in .Sara-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

349

toga Township, Winona County. He is recognized
as one of the leading citizens of tlic place, and takes'
a general interest in all things pertaining to its
welfare. The hotel of whicli he is the proprietor
IS considered one of the best hotels in southeastern
Minnesota.

The mother of our subject died when he was
about fourteen years of age, and the father subse-
quently married again, and is now residing on the
old homestead and is one of the leading citizens
of his township.

Harmon Waldron.

HARMON WALDRON. one of the highly
res|)ected citizens of Winona, now living
at No. 1207 West Fifth Street, is a native
of New York, born in Warren Coiinly, August 2.
182J<. Ills father, William (i. Wahiruii, was a na-
tive i>f Rensselaer County, N. Y., and was descend-
ed fioni ancestors who came from Holland, and re-
ceived patents for the Harlem Commons under
Governor Duggan. Resolvent Waldron, who be-
longed to one of the lea<liiig families of his native
land, sailed from Amsterdam, Holland, to New
York. His descendants in direct line were Will-
iam. Cornelius, Garrett, William (J. and Harmon.
The father of our subject after his msirriage set-
tled ill W.'uicii County, N. V., Iht-ii !i new country,
which lie jissisted in opening up to civilization.
He wedded .ludah Brail, who dit-d at the advanced
age of eighty-two. They had a family of fourteen
children, of whom four are yet living, and with the
e.\ce|)tion of one who dicti in infancy all reached
mature years. The father died at tlic ripf old age
of ninety yi-ars. He served for a short time in
the War of I HI 2, but took part in no active bat-
tles. He had one son. Hcv. .loliii B. Waldron, who
was a popular minister, and pn-achcd for n few
years in Winona County, coming here about IttoO.

He organized the Money Creek Kree-Wiil Baptist
Church in Houston County, called meetings at
various other places, and was a powerful speaker.
He dic(] near Syracuse, N. Y., some twenty years
ago.

Harmon Waldron was the youngest of llie fam-
ily, and as the others had left lioine he remained
under the parental roof until twenty-live years
of age and gave his father the lienelit of Ins serv-
ices. He assumed entire chiiige of the farm at the
age of eighteen, and continued its maiiagenicnt for
seven years.

On the 1 tth of Febriiaiy. IH.'i.i. .Mi. Waldron
was united in marriage with Mis-s .\ugu>ta Corey,
a native of Kast RiUland, \'l.. horn March 7, 1829,
and a daughter of .Mpheus and Lillie ( Pratt ) Corey,
lioth of whom were natives of Massaciuisett.s. The
grandfather, Isaac Corey, w.as horn in the Bay
State, and served his country in the Kevoliilionary
War, being afterwards granted a pension by the
Gt»vernmenl. When Mrs. Waldron w.-ui a maiden
of eleven summers her parenl-s removed to New
York, sellliiii: m Chesteitown, Warren County.
For one \ear after his marriage Mr. Waldron con-
tinneil (ui the old homestead, and then, in IH,''>4,
removed to a new farm near by, which he at once

350

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

began to clejir au<\ improve. Subsequently he
abandoned agricultural pursuits and entered the
employ of an extensive lurabernian, Orson Rich-
aids, serving in various capacities. To this busi-
ness he devoted his energies for about ten years,
usually buying standing timber and then prepar-
ing it for the market, lie also did some trading
on his own account.

In 1868 Mr. Waldron came to Winona County,
and purchased a tract of land of three hundred
and twenty acres in Pleasant Hill Township. Up-
on this farm he located, and made it his home for
nearly three years, wiien failing health induced
him to return to New York, in 1871. He sold his
farm and spent the succeeding two and a-half years
in tlie Empire State, again connected with lum-
ber interests. It was in 1873 that Winona gained
him as a citizen, and here lie embarked in the
dairy business, wlilch he continued for about six
years, his sales amounting to |i3,()0() annually.
When he abandoned that enterprise he turned his
attention to stock-dealing, which he yet follows,
buying cattle and hogs, which lie sliii)s to market
in Chicago. For ten years he did the most exten-
sive business in tiiis line in the county. He is a
careful buyer and trader, and his business has
proved very satisfactory. He has made a study of
the business, and finding that stock need close at-

tention while in transit, he usually accompanies
each shipment. In connection with his stock-deal-
ing he is also largely interested in farming land in
the Great Jim River Valley in South Dakota.

To Mr. and Mrs. Waldron were born three chil-
dren. Robert, the eldest, is a commercial traveler,
residing in Aberdeen, S. Dak. Edward C. is a rail-
road conductor, residing at Colorado Springs. He
married Aleda Cross, of Warren County, N. Y.,
and lived in Winona County for some years. She
died in this city in April, 1885. leaving two chil-
dren: Mildred, who now makes her home with her
grandparents; and Eldredge, who is with his fath-
er. Howard II., the youngest of the Waldron fam-
ily, is now a stenographer of Winona.

Mr. Waldron was formerl3- a Republican in po-
litical sentiment, but on account of his strong tem-
perance principles he has of late years supported
the Proliibition party. He was reared in the Meth-
odist faith and both he and his wife are faithful
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Wi-
nona. For thirty years he has been a member of
the Masonic fraternity. In all business dealings
he is straightforward and honorable, and his life
has been a useful one, that has gained for him the
confidence and esteem of many friends and ac-
quaintances.

*S+++^

y-i-i-++++x

f- ++^-,

++++ i -i. ' ++++

++++ ;

-i-++t
' -i-b*'

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3ol

James H. Drew.

IAJ

AMES M. DREW, one of the leading fanners
of Rolling Stone Township, and a worthy
representative of a pioneer family, was born
on the old Drew homestead, which is yet his
place of residence, on the 17tli of February, 1862.
His parents were Kdward B. and .Sarah (Meddick)
Drew. His father, who was born in Hammondsport
N. Y., was reared upon a farm in that state, and
began his educatiun in the common schools. His
privileges in that direction, however, were sup-
plemented by a course of study in Franklin Col-
lege. He was thus litled for the practical duties
of life, and by experience, observation and exten-
sive reading in later years he ha» always kept him-
self a well informed maTi. On emigrating west-
ward he located in Indiana, where he spent about
three years, when, in 1852, he joined the Land and
Village Association of New York. He met the
party in Chicago, but traveled from Indiana to
Cialona, III., with ox-teams, and thence came to
Winona, where he arrived in the spring. From
the (iovrrnment he secured the land on which
.lames Drew now resides.

At that lime the land was not open to settlement,
and Kdward Drew hud to give the Indians a barrel
of Hour for tlii; right to tiuild a cabin. He then
staked out a claim and spent the succeeding winter
in chopping wood. The next 3'ear he went to
Wisconsin, and jilanted some wheat, raising the
first crop of that grain ever harvested in Winoeia
County. His land, which was entirely unimproved
in 18.')2. was transformed into n rich and valuable
farm, and the |)lace becarnf a mr)nument t^ the

thrift and enterprise of him who secured it from
the Oovcrnment forty-two years ago. In 1891 Mr.
Drew left the farm, removed to Chicago, and has
since lived retired. He conies of a family which
was established in this country at an early day, but
is of .Scotch and Irish extraction. His wife was boi'n
in New York, and her parents werenativesof New
Jersey. Her death occurred in Winona County
about twenty-seven years ago.

Mr. and Mrs. Drew were the parents of three
children: ,Iohn M.. who died at the age of fifteen
years; .Tames M.,of this sketch; and .lanet, a stenog-
rapher of Chicago. The gentleman whose name
heads this record is now the only representative in
Winona County of the family so long prominent
here. The name of his father is inseparably con-
nected with the history of this community, for he
bore a most nnpt)rtant part in it.s developmentand
progress and is numbered among its most honored
pioneers.

.lames M. Drew was reared amid the wild scenes
of tlie frontier, and the work of the farm was fa-
miliar to him from an early age. He aided in the
labors of the lield in the summer months, and m the
winter attended the State Normal School of Wi-
nona, from which he was graduated in 1883. He
then attended school in Danville. Ind., for one year,
after which he spent the succeeding winter as a
teacher in a district school of thiscfiunty. He was
then made Principal of the village schools of Ap-
plelon, Minn., in which capacity he served for one
j'ear. when he returned to the farm, making his
home thereon until the fall of 18^7. At the be-

352

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

j^inning of the school term of that year lie entered
Cornell Ihiiversity, where he took a special course
on agriculture, and the following spring was as-
signed the position of assistant to the director of
that institution. A year later he returned home to
take charge of the farm, a step made necessary
b^' his father's failing health, and to the manage-
ment of the old homestead he now derotes his
time and energies.

On the 25th of .September, 1890, Mr. Drew was
married to Miss Elsie Salisbury, of Elkhorn,
Wis., daughter of one of the first settlers of Wal-
worth County, Wis. Mr. and Mrs. Drew have two

daughters, Helen Louise, born November 3, 1892,
and Margarelte, an infant.

In his political views .lames Drew is liberal. His
father, who was quite prominent in political affairs,
votes with the Democracy, and was three limes
elected on that ticket as a member of the State Leg-
islature from Winona County. An enterprising and
progressive citizen, he took an active interest in
everything pertaining to the welfare of the com-
nninity. In his business dealings he w.as successful
and accumulated seven hundred acres of fine land,
wliich is now successfully and ably managed by
.James M. Drew, the worthy subject of this sketch.

August J. Cooper.

Crv UGUST .1. COOPER, who is an old Union
r — \ soldier, is the owner and occupant of a
fine tract of land on section 15, Pleasant
Hill Township, which in its improvement and gen-
eral appearance will compare favorably with an^'
estate in the county. It consists of one hundred
and seventy-two acres, occupying a good location.

Mr. Cooper spent the first twelve years of his
life in Germany, where he was born January 1,
1843. Like all the youths of that country, he at-
tended school, and his father being a farmer, he
also assisted in performing many of the lighter
duties on the farm.

When only twelve years of age, young Cooper,
accompanied by his father, embarked on a sailing-
vessel bound for American shores, and after a very
slow and tiresome voyage was landed several weeks
later in New York harbor. Their destination be-
ing Wisconsin, they immediately made their way

thither, and located in Watertown, Dodge County.
After five years spent there, our subject changed
his location and came to Pleasant Hill Township,
this county, where he purchased a tract of land in
partnership with his father. The property, which
could not at that time be called a farm, included
one hundred and twenty acres, which they imme-
diatel3- set to work to improve and cultivate in a
most thorough manner. It now forms a portion
of Mr. Cooper's present estate, and the home-like
dwelling and various outbuildings which adorn it
indicate to the passer-by that it is occupied by a
family of enterprise and good Uiste.

September 27, 1864, during the progress of the
late war, Mr. Cooper joined Company B, First
Minnesota Heavy Artillery, as a private, and was
mustered into service at Ft. Snelling. The regi-
ment was soon ordered to Chattanooga, Tenn.,
where they remained on garrison duty until the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

.(53

close of the war. On receiving his honorable
discharge, he turned to the peaceful pursuits of
farm life, and has ever since lieen engaged as an
agriculturist.

Mr. Cooper was married .luly 27, 1871, and to
himself and wife has been born a family of six
children, bearing the respective names of William,
Ida, Harrison, Lewis, Albert and Annie, all of
whom are living with the exception of the eldest.
In politics our subject is a stanch advocate of the

Democratic party. He belongs to the Cierman
Lutheran Churcii, and earnestly endeavors tf> prac-
tice in his daily life tin- principles in which he be-
lieves. He is a member of the Grand Army of the
Republic, and as such is well liked throughout
the community, lie has been greatly prospered
as an agriculturist, and is one of those citizens
who have contributed their quota toward the de-
velopment of their adopted land.

Hichael F. Walz.

MICHAKI^ V. WALZ is now serving as
Water Coiiuiiissioner of Winona, and is
a most etlicienl and faithful ollicer. He
was born in Columbia, Lancaster County, Pa., De-
cember 7, IH.T.'), and is of German descent. His
grandfather, Daniel Walz, wa.s a native of Wur-
temberg, Germany, and was quite a well-to-do
citizen, owning an estate, which was operated b}'
others. His ilcath occurred at the age of sevent}--
(ive years.

Daniel Walz, the father f)f .Michael F., was boiii
in Wiirlemberg. (iermany, in 1816, and his wife,
.Maiy, was also a native of that land. They were
there married, and continued to make their home
beyonil the water until 18.j7, when they .sailed for
the New Worbl, and became residents of Lancas-
ter CiMinly, I'a. There Mr. Walz secured a posi-
tion as foreman of the smelting works, discharg-
ing the duties of that position for six years, or
until 186.3, when he removed to .'^aginaw, Mich.
He there embarked in the lumber husines'S, which he
carried on until 1884, when he retired from active

life. He has since followed no business enterprise,
and is now resting in the enjoyment of the fruits
of his former toil. Both he and his wife are well
advanced in yeai-s.

Michael F. Walz is one of a family of sixteen
children, fourteen of whom are yet living. He
was a child of eight years when the family re-
moved to .Saginaw, Mich., where he resided until
187'J. His early education, acquired in the com-
mon schools, was supplemented by study in the
Noi'inal School of the Missouri Synfxl, in Addison,
III. He entered that institution in 186il, and was
graduated therefrom in 1873, after which ho en-
tered the lumber business, biitafter following that
enterprise for three yeai-s he w.is forced to abandon
it on account of ill-health. During the next three
years he gave his time and attention to teaching
in .Saginaw County, and in 187!i he went to .Mil-
waukee, Wis., where he taught in St. Marcus' I'arit-
cliial Scliool for one and a-half years. In .\ugust.
1880, he received a call to come to Winona as
Principal of St. Martin's I'arot'hial ScIukiI in this

354

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

city, and tlial position he creditably filled until
May, 1893, when, on account of faihns: health, he
was obliged to give up educational work, in which
he has always taken a great and abiding interest.
He was an able instructor, and the schools over
which he had charge made rapid progress.

Ere crossing the Mississippi, Mr. Walz was mar-
ried, in Saginaw County, Mich., July 25, 1880, to
Henrietta Goppelt, a native of that county, and a
daughter of Michael Goppelt. This worthy couple
have many friends throughout the community and
are highly respected citizens. The\' hold niembei-
ship with St. Martin's Lutheran Church, and for
several years Professor Walz lias been its organist.
He gained a good musical education in Addison,
111., and in Saginaw, Mich., under Professor Guen-
ter, and yet conducts the male choir in the Har-
mon ia Society. He is Secretary of the Winona
Mutual Benefit Association, which has a member-
ship of some six hundred. It was oiganized in
1878, and pays death claims only. Mr. Walz be-
came connected with it, and had the society incor-
porated in 1888, and the membership at once be-
gan to increase and has continued steadily to do
so, eighty members having been taken into the
organization in 1893, while a larger number will
be admitted in 1894.

In April, 1893, Professor Walz was called to
oflicc, being elected Water Commissif)ner of Wi-
nona. On the Istof May he entered upon his du-
ties, and so well were they discharged that in
Apiil, 1894. he was re-elected for another terra.
The affairs were in a veiy bad condition, but Mr.
Walz has succeeded in bringing order out of chaos,
has ascertained wherever city water is used, and
has made a complete record of the length of mains,
the amount of water rentals, etc. He put up
the first complete record of la|)s or connections
in the department. In the year 1893 he increased
the water receipts over $3,000, and the addi-
tional income will be at least that much more
in 1894, making the receipts $16,000, against $10,-
000 in 1892. Meters have also been introduced
under his administration, and a great amount of
water is saved by that means. Mr. Walz has la-
bored earnestly to perfect everything connected
with the water-works system, and the ability and
faithfulness which he has displayed in the dis-
charge of his duties have won him the confidence
of all. During his residence in Winona he has be-
come widely known and has gained a large circle
of friends and acquaintances, who hold him in the
highest regard.

Henry Mazy.

HENRY MAZY, who resides at No. 301 F;ast
Fifth Street. Winona, was born in Chicago,
111., May 15, 1832. His father, Louis
Mazy, w.is a native of Germany, and a shoemaker
b3' trade. He went to Chicago in 1831, and located
near old Sand Ridge. He subsequently purchased
a farm in Cook Count}', 111., upon which he made
his home. There he was one of the pioneers and
resided for man}' yeai-s. When our subject was
seventeen years of age, in company with seven

others, he crossed the plains lo California, being
seven months en route. For about five and a-half
years after his arrival in California he worked for
C. C. Reynerson. in buying and selling cattle. He
then engaged in the milk business in San Francisco,
where he continued to reside until 1862, when
he enlisted in the service of his country, becoming
a member of Company A of the .Second Massa-
chusetts Cavalry, joining the regiment in Boston.
.Soon after enlisting, the regiment w.is sent to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

355

Baltimore, and then was attached to the Army of
the Potomac under General Sheridan. lie served
under that eminent comniander and was engaged in
ail the various raids and liatlle.s of llial celebrated
army, being present at the capture of Lee. Of
tlio oiiginal company of one iiundred wlio enlisted
in 1K62. only .••even were discharged at the close of
the service, the remainder having been killed in
liattle or taken prisoner. Mr. Mazy was one of
tlie number who took part in llie Giand Review at
Washington.

The parents of our sul)ject liaving removed to
Minnesota, on his discharge lie joined them in Fari-
bault County, and engaged in farming near the
city of Faribault. In the spring of 1875 became

to Winona and, buying a street sprinkler, he Las
since, under contract, engaged in street sprinkling
durini.' the legular season.

On the 21lh of December. 1805. in Kaiibaull
County, Mr. .Mazy was united in marriage with
Miss Louisa Fisher, a native of Germany. They
have no children, but have reared a son and daugh-
ter of one of her brothers, ICrvin and Bertha. The
former is Deputy Clerk of the Courts, and the lat-
ter is ]ireparing for a teacher in the public schools.

Mr. Mazy political!}- is a Republican and at pres-
ent is serving as Alderman of the Third Ward. He
is a member of the German Lutlu-ran Church, and
is held in high esteem by all who know him.

Abraham Nelson.

<rpr BRAIIAM NELSON has been for more
/ — \ than thirty years one of the leading agri-
culturists of Wiscoy Township, and is th<»
owner of a valuable and improved homestead, sit-
uated on sections 25 and 'M. He is a practical and
progressive farmer, which facts may be easily seen
b}- the traveler who passes bj' his well kept farm-
yard and dwellings. He is one of the native sons
of Norway, his birth having occurred February 2,
1837, and the first ten years of his life were passed
on his father's farm, since which time, being left an
orphan, he has supported himself and made his own
way.

When -seven years old, Abraham Nelson set .sail
for America with his father, who bore the Christian
name of Andrew. After eight weeks spent on the
Atlantic they arrived on the shores of the New
World, and at once continued their westward jour-
ney to Wisconsin. In that sUite the hoy attended

the district schools during the winter months until
he was in his seventeenth year. At the age of
eleven he was bound out to a farmer, for whom he
worked for four j'ears, receiving only his board and
clothing. The summer he was sixteen he was given
llO per month for his services, this being the first
money he ever earned. In the fall of 1854 became
to Minnesota with the family of O. R. T. Kingsley.
The journey was made in a wagon drawn by two
yoke of oxen, and the Mississippi River was crossed
at LaCrosse. This country was then but little settled
or improved, and between the points of LaCrescent
and Gile's Corners there was not a house to lieseen.
Abraham Nelson took up a tract of one hundred
and sixty .icrcs from the (iovernment, but did not
prove up the land. For a few years during the
summers he ran a breaking team, and in the fallen-
gaged in threshing. In 1856 he purchase<l one
hundred and sixty acres of Gorernment land near

356

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

where the village of Money Creek, Houston County,
is now located. For this land he paid at the rate
of ^1.25 per acre, and after putting up a log cabin
be cleared and broke forty acres of land. In 1862
he sold out his interest and then purchased the
farm where he now lives, this place being located
on sections 25 and 32 and comprising one hundred
and ninety-five acres. This homestead he sold in

1863 and re-purchased in 1879. September 20,

1864 he enlisted in Company A, First Minnesota
Heavy Artillery. He was mustered in atF't. Snell-
ing and from there was sent to Chicago, Louisville
and Chattanooga. In the latter place he was put on
guard duty, and was so serving at the close of the
war, when he received his honorable discharge,
dated June 20, 1865. Returning from Tennessee
to Minnesota, he bought a farm in this township,
which he cultivated until the following year, when
he went to Faribault County, this state, and on his
arrival there bought one hundred and sixty acres
of railroad land. Owing to the failure of crops
and the plague of grasshoppers in 1878, he returned
to this county, and as he had lost nearly all his
possessions by his unfortunate settlement in the
western part of the state, he was obliged to begin
life almost at the bottom round of the ladder again.
Being a man of determined will and energy, lie
set sturdily to woik to repair his fortune. He took
up a homestead of eighty acres on section 30,
Pleasant Hill Township. The tract he leased for

five years, after which he came to his present farm,
this being in 1883.

August 26, 1860, Mr. Nelson married Adeline
Clarke, and to the worthy couple were born four
children. Dora E., the eldest living, is tlie wife of
E. J. Kingsley, who operates a farm near Money
Creek; Flora died in 1875; and two children died
in infancy. Mrs. Nelson was called from this life
March 16, 1892. The present wife of our subject
was united in marriage with him September 13,
1892. She is Hannah, a daughter of .John and
Catherine (McNaughton) Gordon, and widow of
George Brenaman. The latter died April 24, 1885.

In his political belief Mr. Nelson has until re-
centl}' been a stalwart Republican. Of late he
has identified himself with the Prohibition party,
as he is a strong believer in temperance and thinks
that national laws and legislation would tend
toward a better condition of .affairs in thiscountr}-.
A patriot both in times of peace and war, he is a
member of the Grand Army of the Republic and a
loyal citizen. Religiously he is a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife also
belongs. Self-made and self-educated, he deserves
the credit which is freely accorded him by those
who know his history, for in spite of many discour-
agements which would have seemed insurmounta-
ble to most men he has come forth triumphant and
successful.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

^ru

William Duncanson.

•< T f)ILLlAM Dl'NCANSON, a farmer who
\/ V- resides on section 20, Warren Town-
ship, is numbered among the honored
pioneers of Winona C'onnty. He was one of its
first settlers, and is familiar with its history from
the time when the city of Winona was a mere
frontier liamlel. With interest he has watched it.s
progress and advancement, and has aided in its
develoi)ment, so lliat his name is inseparably con-
nected with the record of its upbuilding. Such a
man is well worthy of representation in tliis vol-
ume. He was born in Nova Scotia, on the .'ith of
May, 182/), and is a son of William and Elcanora
(lienjamin) Duncanson. In their family were six
children, five sons and a daughter, hut Eunice,
Benjamin, Jacob and Thomas are all now deceased.
William is the eldest survivor. Jerome, who com-
pletes the family, is now living in St. Paul. The
father was a native of Nova Scotia, and through-
out his life carried on agricultural pursuits.

William Duncanson was reared upon the old
home farm, and from early boyhfiod its work was
known to him, so that when he began business for
himself he had a fund f>f practical experience on
which to rely, even though he had no cash capital.
He attended the subscription schools at intervals
until sixteen years of age, but is practically a self-
educated as well as a self-made man financially.
His life has been a busy and u.seful one. lie
-tarted out for himself at the age of nineteen
years, and began to earn his livelihood as a farm
han<l. His home was with liis father until IH.M,
when he came to the I'nited States, going from
Nova Scotia to Boston, and thence to Dodge Coun-
ty, Wis., making the journey by way of the canal

and Lakes to Milwaukee, and thence across the
country by team to his destination. He crossed
the Mississippi on a scow, pushed with poles, and
after spending the night with Indians, started
through the unbroken forest, blazing his way from
the river banks at La Crescent to his present home.
He made a location near Beaver Dam, and de-
voted his energies to farm work, being thus em-
ployed until the spring of 18,')1.

That year witnessed his arrival in Minnesota,
and thereby Winona County gained one of its
valued citizens, lie secured a squatter's claim in
Wan en Township, and in 1855 pre-empted the
land, a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on
section 20. Here he built a log cabin 12x10 feet,
and l)rought to the county the first Imards ever
sold in W^inona. riiore were less than twelve
buildings in the city nt that time, including one
small store and a tavern. The Indians still lived
in the neighborhood, and Mr. Duncanson had lived
for six months in Warren Township ere he saw a
while .settler within its borders. The Chippewa
Indians were very numerous in the neighborhood,
but were always on friendly terms with their pale-
faced lirolher, occasioning no trouble. All of the
events of pioneer life in Winona County are fam-
iliar to Mr. Duncanson. He came thither with
ox-teams, and then used his oxen in developing
Ins farm. He aided in surveying this section of
the county, and with its history ha.s lieen identi-
fied from a ver^' early day.

On the 21st of February, 1844, was celebrated
the marriage of the subject of this sketch and
.Miss Kebecca Dodge, daughter of Stephen and
Rel)ecca Hodge. Their union has been blessed

358

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

with a family (if ten children: Margaret; David;
Rebecca, wiiu died Februal'}- 23, 18G9; and .lere-
niiah, Tlieodore, Oniu, Julia, John, William, and
Charles, who died February 9, 1869. Theodore is
supposed to have been the tirst white child born in
this neighborhood, his birth occurring in the fall
of 1854. He was killed by lightning on the 31st
of May, 1871. In the fall of the first-mentioned
year Mrs. Duncanson remained for four weeks alone
with her four little children while her husband re-
turned to Wisconsin to move his brother here.

In his political views Mr. Duncanson is inde-
pendent, voting for the man and not the party,
upholding principle and not politicians. He has
served as a member of the Board of Supervisors,

but has never been an ofhce-seeker. Both he and
his wife belong to the Baptist Church, and are
worthy people, who take a commendable interest
in everything pertaining to the welfare of the
community and its advancement. He is both a
self-educ.itcd and self-made man, and for his suc-
cess in life deserves great credit. In his business
he has met with good success, and now owns three
hundred acres of valuable land, all in one body,
his farm being now operated by his son. He is
also a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator, located
in Lewiston. As a self-made man, substantial citi-
zen and honored pioneer, he well deserves repre-
sentation in the historj' of his adopted county.

Chris Michel.

eHRIS MICHEL, deceased, was born in Ger-
man}' in December, 1820, and died at his
home in Winona County on the "ilth of
October, 1888. The days of his boyhood and youth
were spent in his native land, where, in January,
1842, he was united in marriage with Miss (iustine
Erison. The lad}' was there born March 29, 1819,
and is still living. B}' their marriage they became
the parents of two children, but both died in in-
fancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Michel began their domestic life in
the Fatherland, and there continued for ten years.
In 1852 they bade adieu to the home and friends
of their youth and took passage on a westward-
bound sailing-vessel, which at length drojjped an-
chor in the harbor of New York. Continuing
their journey across the country, they finally

reached Wisconsin, where they made a location.
Subsequently they left the Badger Slate, and, re-
moving to Minnesota, settled on ,■» farm. They had
no capital at the time of their arrival, and were de-
pendent entirely U[nm their own resources. The
husband and wife labored together, his industrious
efforts being ably seconded by her work in the
house. They practiced economy in their living,
and by good management, industry and persever-
ance at lengtli became the possessors of considera-
lile jjroperty, and to-day Mrs. Michel is one of the
wealthy ladies of the county.

Mr. Michel made farming his life woik, and
placed his farm all under a higli state of cultiva-
tion, until the once wild land was transformed into
rich and fertile lields, which yielded to him a
golden tribute in return for the care and labor he

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

359

bestowed upon it. He was also an excellent finan-
cier. Mr. Micliel met with a severe accident, a
tree failinjj upon him and striking liis head.
From thai time forward his mind was impaired,
hut liis faithful wife kept him at home, tenderly-
caring for him. until lie was called to his final rest,
on the 21th uf October, 1888. In politics he was
a Democrat, and with the Methodist Churcli he
held membership.

After her husband's misforlune. Mrs. Michel as-
sumed the management of the farm and property,
and soon showed that she was a woman of excel-
lent business abilit3'. To her sagacity, foresight
and enterprise is due the well deserved prosperity
which has come to her and made her one of the
wealthy citizens of the county. She now owns

sixty-five acres of rich and arable land, has mort-
gages on a number of farms, and has consider-
able money loaned. .She watches her opportunity.
and when she thinks a profitable sale or purch.ase
can be made, takes advantage of the same. Her
farm is now rented, so that she has little to care
Un:

Like her husband, Mrs. Michel holds membership
willi Uic .Methodist Church. She is now in quite
poor health, and with lier lives her niece, Klvina
[larnholtz. who will remain with her during her
declining yeare. Mrs. Michel is a most excellent
lady, and her sterling worth and many excellences
of character have gained her a large circle of
friends and acquaintances.

Rev. P. J. Gallagher.

1^ KV. P. .1. GALLAGHKR, pastor of St.
^A Thfunas' I'ro-Calhedral of Winona, w.as
born SpplenilK'r 8. 1854, in County Mayo.
I I'fland. and when about ten years of age came
to America with his sister and brother. He was
the youngfsi in the family of nine children born
unto P. .1. and Uridget (Ragen) Gallagher. The
father w.as a tanner by occupatifui, and the mother
died when our subject was only about. six months
old. On reaching this country he came direct
to Winona, to Win brolher-in law, with whom he
made his homo for aome lime. lie attended the
common schr>ol of the neighborhood, and was
afterward graduated from the high school o( this
city, at the age of fourteen years. He then en-

tered St. John's Univei-sity at CoUegeville. in
Stearns County, Minn., where he completed the
regular classical course in five years.

Mr. Gallagher was then sent by Bishop (irace
to the Grand Seuiinaiy at Montreal. Canada, where
he completed the theological course of four years,
after whicii he was ordained to the priesthood by
Rt.-Rev. Bishop Fabre, I). I). He afterward re-
turned to Winona, where he celebrated his first
mass <»n the .Sund.iy after Christmas in the j-ear
1877. Ff)r a time he continued a guest of Father
Cotter, after which he waN appointed .assistant pas-
tor of St. Paul's Cathedral in St. Paul, Minn., and
had charge of the missions of westiTii St. Paul and
Langdon, Washington County. Minn., for about

360

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

two years. He then built a parsonage in western
St. Paul, organized a new parish, built a brick
house of worship, and founded a parochial school
wiiich had an aver.age attendance of seven hundred
pupils and was taught by the Sisters of St. .Joseph.
He there remained for about ten j'ears, and did a
most excellent work in the interest of his church.
In 1890, when Rev. Mr. Cotter was made Bishop
of the diocese. Rev. Mr. Gallagher was placed in
charge of St. Thomas' Pro-Cathedral of this place.

with which he has been connected continuously
since. The church has a membership of about
liiree hundred families and is in a nourishing con-
dition. Faliier (iallaglier is an earnest and untir-
ing workc'i-, whose time and attention are given
unremittingly to his pastoral duties, and by his
own people and tiiose of other denominations he
is held in high esteem. He acquired an excellent
education and is a well informed man.

John Thill.

J

OHN THILL, who is a worthy representative
of the agricultural interests of the county,
^h now resides on section 8, Wilson Township,
where he owns and operates one hundred
and sixty acres of good land. This is a valuable
and desirable farm, pleasantly located, and the
rich land yields to tlie owner a golden tribute in
return for the eare and labor he bestows upon it.
The improvements are in keeping with those of a
model farm, and include a two-story residence, a
fine barn and other necessary outbuildings. The
place is neat and tliriftj' in appearance, and to the
passer-by indicates the careful supervision of the
owner.

Mr. Thill is still a ^oung man.' He w.as born on
a farm in Asch, Germany, on the 1.5th of May,
1865, and is a son of .John and Mary (Morris)
Thill, both of whom were natives of that country.
The father was a farmer by occupation, and was
also master of the carpenter's trade, which he fol-
lowed at various intervals. In the family were
seven children, all of whom are yet living: Nic,
who makes his home in Germany; Susanna and

Angeliue who also live in Germany; John, of this
sketch; Mary, who was born in Paris, France, and
is now Mrs. Reucher,of Winona Township; Mat-
thew, now living with his parents in the Father-
land; and Catherine, who is vet under the parental
roof.

In the public schools of his native land John
i'liill acquired a good education. He early became
fiuniliar with the duties of farm life, and to his
father gave the beiielit of his services until after
he had attained his majority. He was twenty-two
years of age when, in February, 1887, he bade
adieu to home and friends and crossed the broad
Atlantic to the New World. (Jn reaching the
Lniled States he continued his journey across the
country to Minnesota, .and took up his residence
in Winona County, where he has since made his
home. At the time of his arrival he had only i^2,
but he came here with the hope of bettering his
financial condition, and at once set to work to
reach the desired end. He is industrious and en-
ergetic, and his diligence has resulted in prosperity.
Although be came here empty-handed, he li:is stead-

1X)RTRA1T AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

361

ily worked his way upward, and is now in comfort
able circumstances, being tlie possessor of a valua-
ble property.

Mr. Thill now lives with his sister, Mrs. Reuclier.
who keeps house for him, her husband being a
partner of Mr. Thill. lie is a public-spirited and
progressive citizen, interested in everything per-

taining to the welfare of the community, and in
his religious belief he is a Catholic. He exercises
his right of franchise in support of the Republican
party and warmly advocates its principles. A jo-
vial, genial young man, his pleasant nature has
gained him many warm friends, and all w1k> know
him esteem him highh.

Jacob Frederick Fleischer.

J

ACOB FREDERICK FLEISCHER, general
foreman of the Chicago <fe North-Western
Railway shops at Winona, occupies a respon-
sible position and discharges his duties with
a promptness and fidelity that have won him the
confidence of his employers and the respect of
those who serve under him. He was born in Nor-
way, and when a child of two years was brought
by his parents to the United .States, the family set-
tling in Madison, Wis. The father. K. . I. Fleischer,
established at Inmansville, Rock County, Wis.,
the first Norwegian newspaper published in Amer-
ica. It was called the Emiyranti>n.Mu\ the first edi-
tion was printed in lH5t. .Subsequently Mr. Flei-
scher removed the paper to Madison, where he con-
tinued its publication for several years. He was
then for a number of years employed in the State
Times office of Wisconsin, after which he became
Vice-Consul of the I'niled States at Madisf)n. Thus
he served for several years, and did much to induce
the people of his native land to emigrate tf) Amer-
ica. He also established a general banking busi-
ness and European exchange at Madison. Me was
an Intininte friend of (tie ISnll, aiifl in Norway the
two gentlemen formed a project to establish a
colony in Pennsylvania, but the people were not
ready for such a move, and the idea had to Ik*

abandoned. Whenever Mr. Bull came to the United
States he was the guest of Mr. Fleischer. The lat-
ter, after a prominent and well <pent life, died in
Chicago in IH92.

From his early years .1. F. Fleischer pas.sed his
boyhood days in Madison, Wis., where he remained
until a youth of fourteen. Me acquired his educa-
tion in Wittenberg College, of Springfield, Ohio,
after which he enlisted in the one hundred days'
service in the Eighty-sixth Ohio Infantry, when
the call was made for troops to protect Washing-
ton. He served in \'irginia and West Virginia,
escorting artillery over the mountains, and on the
expiration of his term was honorably discharged.

In 1H(!.'?, having returned to the North, Mr.
Fleischer entered the employ of the Milwaukee A-
Prairie du Chien Railroad Company, and has since
l)een engaged in railroad work. Me learned the
machinist's trade in the shop.s .'it Milwaukee, and
worked in the jobbing shops at La Crosse, Sparta
an<1 in other places. His residence in Minnesota
dates from IHGH, at which time lii> located in Ho-
kah, l)eing then in the employ of the Southern
Minnesota Railway. He continued in the shops at
that place, and remained with the same coinpam,
until 18811, with the exception of a period of three
years, during which time he was with the Illinois

362

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Central Road at Waterloo, Iowa, with the Norlh-
eni Pacific at Brainard, Iowa, and was foreman for
a year and a-half in the Dean & Smitii jobbing
shops of La Crosse, AVis., engaged in building
Hoyt's automatic millstone dres!>er. In 18H0 he
entered the employ of the North-Western Railway
Company at Winona, under W. A. Scott, then
Master Mechanic. In that year he was sent to
Huron, S. Dak., as foreman under W. W. Mclntosli,
Master Mechanic, and in 1887 he came from Hu-
ron to Winona to accept the position of general
foreman at the repair shops at this place, where
two hundred men are employed.

Mr. Fleischer was married on the 1st of June,
1871, in Hokah, Minn., the lady of his choice be-
ing Miss Anna Dibbell, of that city. They have

a pleasant home at No. 223 West Broadway Street,
and have many friends in this community.

In his political views Mr. Fleischer is liberal,
connecting himself with no political party. He was
made a Mason in Hokah, Minn., and soon became
an active member of the fraternity. He became
Worshipful Master in 1875, and was prominent in
the Grand Lodge, taking an active part in estab-
lising lodges and chapters. He was a charter mem-
ber of the lodge in Huron, S. Dak., of which he was
made Master, and iii the chapter he was elected
High Priest. He is also a member of the Knights
of Pythias. His social and genial manner and
his many excellences of character make him pop-
ular and he has many warm friends.

THE NEWYORK
rPUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX AND

ITILDKN FOUNDATIONS

JUDGE J. A, TAWNEY.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

365

+++++++++++++++++

:*++++++++•{•+++++++

Hon. James A. Tawney.

+++++++++++++++++

++++++++++++++•}••{•+

HON. JAMES A. TAWNEY, of Winona, is
a Member of Congress from the P'irst Dis-
trict of Minnesota, and his conneotion
with many of llie leading questions tliat have
been before the Fifty-third Session has brought
him into prominence and "jiiiied iiim a rcimtalion
throughout the country. The history f>f his life
is one of much interest, for from an litimble posi-
tion he has steadily arisen to a place of honorable
notoriety, lie was born on the 3d of January,
1855, in Adams County, I'a., near Oettysburg, and
IS a son of John K. and Sarah (Hoblitz) Tawiicy.
lie comes from the same ancestry as the late Chief-
Justice Taney, of the Supreme Court. The founder
of the family in America was John Tawney, who
landed at Baltimore about 16.iO, and settled in
Lancaster County, Pa. The Tawncys area sturdy
race, possessed of |)hysical jierfection and <{reat
powers of endurance. John E. Tawney and his
father were both blacksmitlis. He became a prom-
inent citizen of the comniiinity in which he lived,
and took an active interest in public affairs.
15

Between the ages of fourteen and seventeen
years .lames A. Tawney worked at the blacksmith's
trade for his fnthcr. He then went to Du Bois,
Clearfield County, Pa., where he had charge of a
shop, and did the bhicksinilli work for the Du Bois
Sawmill until 1877. In the mean time he had
learned the machinist's trade, and in August of
that year he came to Winona, where he worked in
a machine-shop and at the forge until .lanuary,
188L Mr. Tawney now resolved upon a change
of work. For two years previous, unassisted and
undirected, he had read Uw, and he now entered
the law ollice of Bentley & Vance, where he made
rapid progress. He applied himself closely, and in
an incredibly short lime had iii.-istered much of the
knowledge which is essential to successful legal
practice. He was ailmitted to the Bar .Iiilv 10,
1HM2, and went to .Madison, Wis., to further pur-
sue his legal studies in the Stale University, l)ut
owing to Mr. IVntley's death he returned home,
and at once entered upon what has been a most
brilliant professional career. To a casual observer

366

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his success seems almost phenomenal, .and to one
more acquainted with his nictliods it cannot but
fail to excite adniirati(jn and wonder. His read-
ing has covered a wide range, and his general
knowledge has been brought into use at the Bar.
His ability as an advocate was soon recognized,
and lie has been connected with many of the im-
portant cases in the district. .Steadily his business
has increased until, when not occupied with his
official cares, his time is almost entirely taken up
by attention to his many clients.

A successful lawyer often makes an able official,
and such has been the case with Mr. Tawney. In
1883 he was elected Judge Advocate of the Second
Minnesota National ftuards, in which position he
served until January, 1891, when he was made
Judge Advocate-General on the staff of Governor
Merriam. In the fall of 18'J0 he was elected State
Senator from the Fifteenth District, and served
four years. In Winona County the Democratic
candidate for Governor received a majority of
sixteen hundred the same year, but Mr. Tawney
overcame that majority, and carried the county
bj' a vote of four hundred. This was the result of
his great personal popularity, .ind, more than that,
of the confidence and trust reposed in him. In
the expression of his political views he had given
forth no uncertain sound, and was recognized as
one of the leading Rei)iiblicans of the state. He
was Vice-President of the Republican State League
from February, 1888, until March, ISitl, and since
that time has served on the Republican State Cen-
tral Committee. While in the Senate he served
on the .ludiciary Committee, and was one of the
chief opponents of Ignatius Donnelly and other
Populist members who attempled impracticable and
"wild-cat" legislation.

Mr. Tawney was married on the I'Jth of Decem-
ber, 1883, to Miss Emma Newell, a lady of culture
and refinement, who is well fitted to be the com-
panion of her illustrious husband. They have
four children: Kverett Franklin, James Millard,
John E. and Maud Josephine.

To follow in detail the career of Mr. Tawney in
the State Senate and in Congress would be to
write a volume, but much is deserving of mention
on the pages of the history of his adopted county.

He was Chairman of the Senator Davis Committee
in 1893, when Davis was candidate for the United
.States Senate, and was largely instrumental in
securing his election. He was ever an earnest
worker for the interest of his constituents. and his
careful policy and recognized ability made him
the choice of his party as candidate for Congress
in Waseca. July 26, 1892. Two other names were
proposed — Allen J. Greer, of Wabasha, and G. W.
Rockwell, of Rushford. He received the majority
on an informal ballot, and on the first ballot was
nominated by acclamation. During the campaign
he made sixty-five speeches. His Democratic op-
ponent was Hon. W. H. Harries, of Caledonia, who
two years before had been elected by a majority of
twenty-three hundred. A Populist and a Prohibi-
tion candidate were also in the field. A vigorous
campaign followed, and Mr. Tawney was elected
by a plurality of thirty-one hundred and sixty.

Mr. Tawney took his seat in Congress in the ex-
tra session of the Fifty-third Congress, August 7,
1893. He was made a member of the Committee
on Pensions and of Irrigation of Arid Lands, with
which he is still connected. Under Act of Decem-
ber 21, 1893, it became unlawful for the depart-
ment of the Interior to refuse to pay pensions
without giving pensioners thirty days" notice of
charges, and a chance to refute the same. The de-
partment, however, paid no attention to the law,
but continued disallowing pensions. Mr. Tawney
had a number of cases among his constituents who
were unjustly affected by the ruling of the depart-
ment, their claims being clouded by the \an Lu-
ven pension litigation. He secured the passage of
legislation, reciting the fact that certain constitu-
ents, naming eight men, had pensions suspended
without notice, and that payment had been with-
held in violation of the Act of December 21, 1893,
for three months, and asked the Department of the
Interior why the act had not been complied with.
The bill was reported on favorably by the Commit-
tee on Invalid Pensions, and passed by the House,
and as a result it obtained a ruling from the De-
partment of Justice that enforced the provisions
of the act providing that notice should be given
of the suspension of pensions. This ruling affected
at least ten thousand pensioners, and resulted in

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

367

the payment of over $1,000,000. His speecb on
pensiuns, delivered MarcU 5, 1894, was a masterly
effort, setting: forth in a powerful way his views
on the qucbtiuu, and won repealed applause.

Mr. Tawney delivered his maiden speech in the
extra session on tlie repeal of the Federal Kleclion
Law. He dcliveied three brilliant speeches on the
tariflf and one on reciprocity, and their reception
l)y the members of his party was shown by the
frequent cheers which greeted him. lie made an
able argument in behalf of the tariflf, when he
showed that on account of the duty on Canadian
barley, there was an increase in the state of Min-

nesota from seven million bushels in 1890 to six-
teen million bushels in 1892.

Mr. Tawney was associated with such men as
Reed, Burroughs, Cannon, Boutelleand other lead-
ers, and m the Congress of the Nation won the
recognition of merit and ability. Hon. C. E.
Town, of Duluth, said of Mr. Tawney in the Re-
pul)lican State Convention, that one of the leaders
of the House, Mr. Boutelle, had remarked that
in his experience in the House he never knew of
a new member who had made a more favorable
impression than had Mr. Tawney.

Asahel B. Quimby.

iT^ .SAHEL B. QUIMBY, Master Mechanic in
/ — \ the Winona & South- Western Railway
oHice and shops of Winona, claims New
Hampshire as the state of his nativity, his birth
having occurred in Dunbarton, near Concord, on
the 26th of September, 18o-l. His father, .John
t^iiimby, was a native of Lincolnshire, England.
At the age of eigliteen A. B. Quimby entered the
"Amoskeag" shops at Manchester, and, serving his
three-years apprenticeship, he received a diploma
as a machinist. He then entered the shops of the
Coiu-or<l Railroad, at Concord. N. H.,as a journey-
man, and later secured employment in the shops
of the China Manufacturing Company, where he
continued for three years. In 1879 Mr. Quimby
came to the West. He worked in Milwaukee, Wis.,
and was employed by the Hokah Sr Minneapolis,
and by the Minnesota & Wells Railroad Com-
panies. He then entered the employ of the Chi-

cago <fc North-Western Railway Company, and
was stationed in the shops in Winona, where he
continued for eleven years, or until 1891, when
the Winona &. South-Western Railway was estab-
lished and the position of .Master .Mechanic was
offered him. This he accepted, and entered upon
his duties on the 1st of February. Forty-one men
are employed under him, and for their superior
ollicer lliey entertain a high regard, for he is ever
fair and just in his dealings, never manifesting
any of the overl)eariiig lemlcncics of many task-
masters. In the sho|>6 all of the engines are over-
hauled and all repair work is done. Mr. Quimby
gives his entire attention to the business, and sus-
tains very pleasjint relations with the road and its
.Superintendent. J. .1. Mahoney.

Mr. t^iiimby was married. November 20, 1875, in
.Manchester, N. H., to .Miss Emma I. Bingham, a
native of the old Granite State. They had an

368

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

adopted son, Elmer, who came to tliein in infancy,
and died August 12, 1892, in his fourteenth year.
Botii Mr. and Mrs. Quiuihy /ire faitiiful members
and active workers in the Free Baptist Churcli.
The congregation was organized in tlieir liome, and
at tlie lieginning had only a few members. A new
building was erected at the corner of Lincoln and
Howard Streets, at a cost of ^5,000. It is a neat
brick structure, built in modern style, and was
dedicated ou the 24th of June, 1894. The church

has a membership of about one hundred, with fully
organized societies and Sunday-school, and Mr.
• iuimby is now serving as Clerk of tiic church. He
has also been active in Sunday-school work, and
does all in his power to promote those interests
which are calculated to elevate humanit}- and ad-
vance the general welfare. He is a man of strong
temperance principles, and now votes witii the
Prohibition party, but was formerly an advocate
of the men and measures of the Republican party.

Moses Laberee.

MOSES LABEREE. of Winona, residing at
No. 218 West Wabasha Street, was born
in Whitefield, Me., .luly 14, 1827, and is a
son of Henjamin and Nancy (.lewett) Laberee. who
were also natives of the Pine Tree State. The pa-
ternal grandfather, Peter Laberee, was born in
New Hampshire, whence he went to Maine. His
wife was a Longfellow, and came from Mass.a-
chuselts.

The gentleman whose name hea<ls this record
spent the days of his boyhood and youtii in the
usual manner of farmer lads, his education being
acquired in the district schools, which he attended
through the winter months, while in the summer
season he aided in the labor of the held. On at-
taining his majority he left the parental roof,
and in 1849, on the tide of enugration which was
steadily drifting westward, he went to Wisconsin,
locating in Sauk, with his elder brother. They
there assisted in buihling a mill, and for two years
were then engaged in cutting timber to raft down

the Yellow River. Moses Laberee remained in
Wisconsin until 18.56, engaged in milling and
lumbering, and then came to Winona, where his
brother. Franklin Laberee. now deceased, was then
living, having located here in the spring of 1855.
For several years Moses engaged in teaming, and
then began to work for the Chicago it North- West-
ern Railway Company, on car work. He began
operations in 1871, and has since been in the em-
ploy of that road. He has worked all of the time
in the shops, repairing cars, getting out material
and running machinery.

For thirty-eight years Mr. Lalieree has resided
in his present home, which w!u>< erected in 1856.
Ik- was married on the 2d of .luly, 1854. in .Sauk
County. Wis., to Miss EmelineC. Turner, a native
of AIna. Me. For almost forty years they trav-
eled life's journey together, and the lady proved
to her husband .a faithful companion and help-
mate, but on llie 5lh of t)ctober. 18'.»3, she wjis
called to the home Iwyond. To them were born the

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

369

following children: Edwin, who is now engaged in
milling in Minneapolis; Ruth Ella, wife of Wallace
Galhrailh, a resident of Ransom County. N. Dak.;
Willett. wiio follows farniinj.' in Deuel County, S.
Dak., and Harriet M., who graduated from the nor-
mal school, and for some years h.is lausht in the
public schools of Winona City, and also keeps house
for her father. Ruth for four years has succcss-
fullj- taught in the public schools; and Harriet i.--
taking an active part in educational work.

Mr. Laberee exercises his right of franchise in

support of the Republican party, but has never
sought or desired olHce. In connection with his
busines-s interests he has for several years been a
Director in the Winona Building and Loan Asso-
ciation. He aided in its organization, July 6, 1882,
and believes firmly in the principles which underlie
the association. The best interests of the com-
munit}- ever find in him a friend, and his hearty
support and co-opei'ation are given to those enter-
prises which are calculated to benefit the com-
munity.

Nathan Harris.

NATHAN llARRl.S, one of the honored
early settlers of Winona County, who
since 185G has resided within her borders,
IS now located on a farm on section 12, Wilson
Township, where he owns two hundred and twenty-
five acres of rich and valuable land. The entire
amount is under a high state of cultivation, and
is well improved with all the accessories and con-
veniences of a model farm. I'.uiidings and fences
are kept in good repair, the fields are well tilled,
and there is an air of neatness and thrift which
pervades the place and indicates the careful super-
vision of the owner.

The life record of Mr. Harris is as follows: lie
wa.H born on a farm in Nova Scotia, February 22,
1813, and his parents, Al|)heusand Rebecca (Eaton)
Harris, were natives of the same country. The fa-
ther, who was a farmer, began life in fair circum-
stinccs. and a.s he made the most of his opportun-
ities he became (piite well-to-do, his business and
executive ability and good judgment winning him
prosperity. Mr. and Mrs. Harris were united in
marriage about 1800, and began their domestic life

in Nova .Scotia. Twelve children were born unto
them, and with one exception all grew to mature
years. They were: Elisha; Mi-s. Sarah A. Hall,
who now occupies the old homestead; Mrs. Olive
Robblee, who is living in the East; Mrs. Nancy
Pingree; Stephen E.; Mrs. Elizabeth Chipman; Na-
than; .lames E.; Thomas A.; Lucy, dece.ised; Daniel
K. and Mar\- K.

Nathan Harris remained at home until he had
attained his majority, and then embarked in gen-
eml merchandising, which hecarried on for u period
of five 3-ears. He afterward carried on various pur-
suits for a time. In 1815 he came to the United
States and made a l(X;ation in Boston, Mass., where
Jie spent one year, after which he went to New
Hampshire. During the succeeding nine yeai> he
remained in the old Granite State.

Ere that period had elapsed Mr. Harris was mar-
ried. On the 20th of .Septemlier. 18-17, he wedded
Miss Martha V. Fuller, daughter of Capt. Edward
Fuller, who was a native of M.-i-ssachusetls, and
served as a Captain in the War of 1M12. (,)n his
return to private life he engaged in the manufact-

370

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ure of paper, and conducted a very prosperous bus-
iness, winning tlierehy considerable capital. He
came to Minnesota at the same time as Mr. Harris,
having lost his wife some years previous. In the
family were six children, four of whom reached
mature years. Thomas U. died at the home of his
sister, Mrs. Harris, in 1886; Ezra and Edward are
also both deceased; Martha was born July 5, 1809.
In New Hampshire Mr. and Mrs. Harris con-
tinued to make their home until 1856, when they
came to Winona County. They had three chil-
dren, two of whom are yet living. Lucilla, born
November 25, 1847, died May 15, 1872, and was
laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery. Edward F.,
born March 28, 1850, resides on a farm adjoining
that of his parents, and is recognized as oue of the
successful agriculturists of Winona County; and

Orlando U., born May 2, 1854, now carries on the
home farm, and is a most highly respected citizen.
Tliey also have ten grandchildren, all living.

Botli Mr. and Mrs. Harris are members of the
Congregational Society. Mrs. Harris is a member
of the church, to which their son Orlando also be-
longs, and in its work and upbuilding they take
an active interest. The cause of education finds
in Mr. Harris a warm friend, and for many j'ears
he has served as School Director. In politics he is
a Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for
office, preferring to give his entire time and atten-
tion to his business interests. It is his close atten-
tion to the details of his business, combined with
diligence, prudence and careful management, that
has brought him the success wliich has crowned
his efforts.

The Winona Wagon Company.

/^T^HE WINONA WAGON COMPANY was
I incorporated in October, 1879, as the Wi-
nona Rushford Wagon Company by A. J.
Stevens, John Albertson and O. B. Gould. The
last-named became President. The capital stock
was originally $45,000, and the first year about
five hundred Kushford wagons were sold. From
that time the business has steadily increased until
now the annual sale amounts to ten thousand
wagons. Business is done in a throe-story brick
shop, 50x400 feet, with a two-story L, in which is
stored the raw material wliich comes in from the
yards. There is also a blacksmith shop, 65x190
feet, a seasoning shed, 25x500 feet, full of smaller
timber, and a larger building, containing about

ten thousand sets of hubs. All the timber for the
more important parts of the wagon is seasoned for
three years, either in protected sheds in the yards,
or in buildings enclosed from the weather, and for
three months before using is kept in the seasoning
rooms in a hath of hoi air at a temperature of one
hundred degrees, day and nighl, until every par-
ticle of greenness or moisture is thoroughly ex-
tracted. Many iin|)ortant parts, such as hubs, etc.,
are then dipped in bdiling oil, which prevents
checking and imparts an especial toughness to the
fibre.

At the extreme end of the factory, wliere the
finished property is kept, are side-tracks from all
the railroads entering the city, so that it is no trou-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

371

blr to load goods. A new contrivance has lately
been introduced into the f.ictorv — a powerful hy-
draulic tire-shrinking machine, used in shrinking
tires on wheels. The tires are first heated to two
hundred and sixty-five degrees in a steam heater,
too hot to Imudle by hand, but not hot enough to
burn wood. The tire is then laid on the wheel,
which is placed horizontally on the machine, the
tire slips down into place, and with a touch the op-
erator causes plungers to move up against it ail
around it. The pressure forces it to contract,
and it is set against the wheel so forcibly as to
place the proper "dish" in the wheel, and is then
held in place still more tightly when it cools and
contracts. This is a most excellent piece of ma-
chinery, and with it one man can do the work which
would otherwise require ten men. The bands aie
put on the hubs by a machine working on the same
principle.

A spoke-driving machine, which is operated bj-
a boy, drives spokes for forty wagons in a day —
the work of four men. This consists of a hammer
at the end of a handle three and a-half feel long,
so swung on an axle moved b^* friction wheels that
its strikes a powerful blow, and yet is as easily
controlled as is a small hammer in the hands of a
skilled blacksmith. Three blows will drive the
most obstinate spoke to its shoulder in the hub,
and much more solidly than is possible by hand.
New machines of most improved patterns are being
added in each department, and many of the special

machines are made in one part of the plant by
skilled machinists, who are thoroughly conversant
with every need of each machine.

The Rushford wagon is known from Maine to
California, from Manitoba to Texas, and its line
lines of construction, combined with the best ma-
terial, the finest workmanship, and honest effort in
eaih department, has given it a name second to
none among wagons. The great demand can be
partially appreciated when it is known that over
one hundred styles of wagons are made in this fac-
tory alone, stjles differing in details of dimensions
rather than in finish and general appearance. Every
department of this large plant is under the trained
eye of its Superintendent. Mr. Mennessy, whose
generalship in handling men and meeting emer-
gencies IS unquestioned. This has proven one of
the very few manufacturing plants started in Wi-
nona thai have had a slcadj' improvement and ad-
vancement, there having never been one day of dis-
aster. It has been one of the rcallj' important in-
stitutions, and has ever afforded sure employment,
summer and winter, to hundreds of employes,
many of whom are almost fixtures, not a few having
been in its employ for ten or more years. It has
been the policy of its management to so conduct
business that each employe could feel that so long
as he attended to duty he could depend upon his
position, and situations are not held through favor-
itism, but througli merit.

^j^'mr

372

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

John Dobbs.

JOHN DOBBS, deceased, was born in New
York, on the 24th of January, 1827, and died
in Winona on the 23d of September, 1890.
His early years were passed in Alban}', where
he learned the book-binder's trade, and there he
continued until 1849, when, attracted bj' the dis-
cover}' of gold in California, he made his way to
the Pacific Slope. There he engaged in mining
for about a year, meeting with only average suc-
cess. He then returned to his native state and re-
sumed work at his trade in Alban\'.

Soon after his return Mr. Dobbs was united in
marriage witli Miss Elizabeth Porter, and to them
were born five children, of wliom two died in child-
hood. Edward T., the eldest living, is a den-
tist of Brooklyn, N. Y.; William J. is now station
agent on the Elkhorn & Missouri Valle}' Railroad
at O'Neill, Neb.; Charles died in infancy; Jennie
died in childhood; and Herbert Orr died in O'Neill,
Neb., December 11, 1893. He had served as oper-
ator and station agent, and had also been in the
employ of the Lansing Lumber Company. His
first wife having died, Mr. Dobbs was .igain married,
his second union being with Miss Mary E. Potts, of
Albany. Her father, William Henry Potts, died in
Columbia Count}', N. Y., at the age of thirty-three.
Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Lucinda
Moore, was born and reared in that countv, but for
some 3'ears had resitled in Albany, where, on tlie
20th of March, 1872, her daughter Mary became
the wife of John Dobbs. By this union were born
three children: Frank Nelson, who is in his nine-

teenth year and is employed as clerk in the shops
of the North- Western Railway Company; Arthur
Emil and Percy Moncrief.

Mr. Dobbs continued to engage in book-binding
in Albany until 1857, when he came to Winona,
hoping that a change of climate would prove bene-
ficial, for he was then in poor health. He secured
a farm near Utica, but remained thereon onl}' about
a year, for the financial panic of 1857 brought ruin
upon the country, and like many others he sufifered
some loss. He then returned to New York, much
improved in health, and resumed work at his trade
in Albany. He was a skilled binder, and his services
were always in demand, so that he found steady
work in the East until he abandoned the old occu-
pation to again seek a home in Minnesota. He
established a book-bindery in Winona, but soon
consolidated it with the Mepublican newspaper,
which was puhiislied by the firm of Sinclair A- Dye.
Mr. Dobbs became an equal partner in the concern,
and continued in charge of the bindery until within
a few months of his death. lie devoted his time
and attention assiduously lo his business interests,
and won a success which was well deserved.

Mr. Dolibs was an enthusiastic Repulilican and in
deep sympathy witli the principles advocated by the
paper with which he was connected. Socially he
was a Knight-Templar Mason, and took an active
interest in that fraternity. He was very intluential
in organizing the original fire department of Wi-
nona, when the business men protected themselves
by a volunteer company. He continued his close

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

373

connection with the fire department until its elli-
ciency liad been fully established, and was a mem-
ber of the advisory or directing board of fire pro-
tection. On the loth of October, 1887, he resigned
as a memtier of the company, and at that time the
department presented him with a fine cane, which
was highly prized as a token of their esteem and
respect for liim. The best interests of the com-
munity ever found in him a friend, and his hearty
support and co-operation were ever given to all
enterprises which he believed would prove of pub-

lic benefit. He passed away September 23, 1890,
and tlirougliout the community the loss of this
valued citizen was mourned.

Mrs. Dobbs is a lady of refinement and culture,
and is well known as the proprietress of an excel-
lent boarding-house, ller pleasant home is situated
in the center of the city, close to the normal school,
and the comforts of home life are had by those who
share her roof. She possesses many sterling quali
ties and is endeared to all who know her.

Alexander C. Sinclair.

(Tpw LEXANDKR C. SINCLAIR. Thoush he
/ — \ has p.issed from the scenes of time, Mr.
Sinclair is still remembered by a host of
warm personal friends, and especially by the citi-
zens of .St. Charles Township, where for so long
he made his home. He was a man of great energy
and force of character, who through his own in-
dustry and perseverance accumulated a valuable
[iroperty, including his well improved farm on sec-
tion .'52.

The birth of our subject occurred in New Hamp-
shire, December 20, 1824, and his parents, Joseph
and Ann (Cornell) Sinclair, were also natives of
that state. His father followed the trade of a car-
penter in addition to the occupation of a farmer-
In 18.54 he ilecided to try his fortune in what was
then considered the far West, and with his family
he started for Minnesota. They went by rail to
Peorin, III., and from there proceeded by stage to
iJixon, III., where they took pa-ssage on a lK)at and
came direct to Winona. They arrived on the 19lh
of August, and within a few hours after landing

the wife and mother died of cholera. This was a
sad blow to the family. Two days after placing
the remains of their loved one in the cemetery' at
tliat place they proceeded to St. Charles Township,
and located a claim on section 32, where they en-
tered one hundred and sixty acres of Government
land.

A small log cabin stood on one corner of the
property, and in this humble abode the family
made tlicir home for about six years. At the ex-
piration of that time they erected the commodious
building that now occupies the site of the former
cabin. This is one of the best farm houses in the
neighborhood, and the farm is the l>est improved
in the section, having all the necessary farming
implements and stock of all kinds that are generally
found on a lirst-class estate.

On the 18th of P'ebruary, 1846, Mr. Sinclair wa.s
united in marri.age with Miss Het.sy, daughter of
Nathan and Clarissa .Merrill, natives of New Hamp-
shire. P'our children blessed their union, of whom
one died in infancy. Clarissa, the eldest, married

374

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

William Groger, and resides on a farm adjoining
tiie old homestead; Ann died December 12, 1863;
and Ella married Angus Ross, a banker of Rock
County, Minn.

Mr. Sinclair was what may be termed' a self-edu-
cated man, not having had the advantages of good
schools in his youth, but with the aid of good
books and the current literature of the day, com-
bined with his natural intelligence, he became well
posted in both local and national affairs. In his
business career he was ver^' successful, and was
widely and favorably known, having the esteem and

confidence of his neighbors. For twenty years be-
fore his death he was a great sufferer from asthma
and lung trouble, but bore his sufferings patientlj-
until the end came. His death occurred February 4,
1892, and his remains were laid to rest in the pri-
vate cemetery of the family on his farm. He was
greatly missed by his friends and mourned by the
entire community. Politically he always affiliated
with the Republican party, but was never actively
engaged in public affairs, preferring to give his
attention to his private interests.

Nicholas Schell, Jr.

NICHOLAS SCHELL, Jr., one of the leading
merchants of Rolling Stone, is now at the
head of a good store, stocked with a full
line of general nierchandi.se, and is doing a con-
stantly increasing business. He was born in Fisch-
bach, Marclie County, in Luxemburg, Germany,
on the 24th of December, 1854, and is a son
of John and Katie (Loutsch) Schell. Their family
numbered seven children, of whom Nicholas was
the fourth in order of birth. The father worked
as a common laborer in his native land until 1869,
when, with the hope of bettering his financial con-
dition, he sailed for America. Coming to Min-
nesota, he bought a farm in Rolling Stone Town-
ship, Winona County, and during the remainder
of his life carried on agricultural pursuits. He
was in very limited circumstances at the time of
his arrival, but he worked hard, and as the result
of his enterprise and perseverance secured a com-
fortable competence, leaving to his famil}' a good
property. He was called to the home beyond at

the age of sixty-nine years: his wife passed away at
the age of seventy-two. Tiiev were laid to rest
side by side in Rolling Stone Cemetery. Both were
members of the Catholic Church, and throughout
the community were held in high regard.

Nicholas .Schell spent the first fifteen years of his
life in the Fatherland and tlien came with his par-
ents to the United States, lli' worked upon the
home farm until sixteen years of age, and then be-
gan working as a farm hand by the month in the
neighborhood. In this way he passed the summer,
while in the winter season he attended the public
schools. His early educational privileges were
afterwards supplemented by a course of study in
St. John's University. He paid his own tuition
with money which he acquired by labor in the
field, and thus is a self-educated, as well as a self-
made, man financially.

When twenty-one years of age Mr. Schell began
teaching school in Mt. Vernon Township, Winona
County, and then took charge of the Oak Ridge

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

375

school, which he successfully taught for a period
of ten years. Ilis long-continued service there well
inrlic.ntes the confidence reposed in him by those
interested, and plainly demonstrates that the confi-
dence was not misplaced. At length, after this
period of successful teaching, he turned his atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits and purchased eighty
acres of land. He afterwards rented a farm, which
he operated through the summer months, while in
the winter season he was for three terms employed
as a teacher in the Rolling Stone schools. In 1889
he sold his farm and embarked in merchandising,
which he yet follows.

Mr. Schell was married on the 6th of October,

1880, the lady of his choice being Miss Mary Kira-
rael, daughter of Nicholas Kimmel, one of the ear-
ly settlers of this county. He votes with the Dem-
ocratic party aud is a stanch advocate of its prin-
ciples. F"or two years he served as Assessor of Mt.
Vernon Township, for about eight years was Town
Clerk, and was also clerk of the Farmers' Fire In-
surance Company of Rolling Stone. He is a man
of pleasant, genial manner, and his gentlemanly
deportment, his earnest desire to please his cus-
tomers, and his fair and honest dealing have won
for him a liberal patronage, which is well merited.

John Evans.

J( )IIN KVANS, deceased, was one of the hon-
ored pioneers of Winona of 1856. He was
born in England in 1800, and during the
days of his early manhood emigrated to the
New World, locating first in Canada. He afterward
removed to Michigan, and in 18.3.3 left that state to
become a resident of Ohio. He later removed to
Wisconsin, .uid in April, 1852, he came to Minne-
sota. It was his intention to locate at Lake City,
on Lako IVpin, but instead he decided to settle on
Winona Prairie. He made a journey up the river
on a steamer to Menomonee, and then started out
to seek a location. The claim which he entered
comprised what is now the finest residence part of
Winona. He became the owner of one hundred
and fifty-two acres, and during the first winter
after his arrival he spent his time in getting out
rails, splitting enough that year to fence forty
acres of land. He then began the cultivation and
development of a farm. Mr. Evans look a very

.active part in securing Winona as the county
seat, went to the State Legislature for that pur-
pose, and bought the two lots on which to build
the court house. He was a valued and prominent
citizen, and had the high respect of all who knew
him. His death occurred in 1856, and his wife
pa-ssed away fifteen years later. In their family
were two children, a son and daughter.

The former, R. R. Evans, was born in Detroit,
Mich.. August 3, 18.33, and at the age f>f eighteen
years came to Winona. He now resides on the
Evans .Subdivision, which was laid out by his fa-
ther, and is a part of the original claim which was
entered from the (iovernnient in 1852. When he
began business for himself, R. H. Evans settled on
a farm in the (jilmore Valley, three miles from the
river. He also had a farm seven miles awjiy, on
the ridge, where he lived for thirteen years. In
1882 he returned to the city, and now is living on
a part of the old homestead. In 1855 he built

376

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the first stable in Winona, and embarked in the
livery business. This was the first in tiic place.

In 1857 Mr. Evans was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Parks, a native of Ohio, who came here
with her cousin, Ervin Johnson, who married Abi-
gail Evans, a sister of our subject. In 1857 he
returned to Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the
oil business, but after a time again came to Minne-
sota, where he died in 1869. His wife passed away
in 1862. Tlieir daughter, Winona Johnson, mar-
ried Dr. Flowers, of Ohio, and died a few years

later. P'or his second wife Mr. Johnson married
a sister of Mrs. Evans, who still lives in North
Bloomfield, Ohio. She has one daughter, Myra,
who is married and lives in the Buckeye .State.
To K. B. Evans and his wife were born four chil-
dren. George, who married Frankie Bozburg, was
a successful insurance solicitor. He died in New
Mexico after a year's illness. May 2, 1893, at the
age of thirty-six years. Edwin died at the age of
four 3'ears. Anna died at the age of lliirtcen.
Frank was the youngest of the family.

Martin H. Fuller.

MARTIN H. FULLER, deceased, was a na-
tive of Vermont, born near Poultney,
Rutland County, on the 12th of Decem-
ber, 1829. His father was Hooker Fuller, and the
family numbered seven children, four sons and
three daughters. The parents botii died when
Martin H. was only about seven years of age, and
he then went to live with an uncle, by whom he
was reared to manhood. Ilis educational privi-
leges were those afforded by the common schools.
He had no special advantages in his youth, but he
endeavored to make the most of his opportunities,
and his life was a successful, as well as an honor-
able and upright, one.

At the age of twenty-two, Mr. Fuller began to
earn his own livelihood by working as a farm
hand by the month. Attracted bj' the West and
the better advantages wiiieh he believed it afforded,
he emigrated to Michigan about 1851, locating in
Marquette, where he continued his residence for
fifteen years. On the expiration of that period, in
1866, he came to Minnesota, locating in Saratoga
Township, Winona C'ount3-. Here he purchased the
farm which he owned at the time of his death. It

comprised eight}' acres on section 30, and when it
came into his possession was but partially im-
l)roved. In connection with his agricultural pur-
suits, he also carried on a distillery in Troy for
about eight 3'ears. His farm was placed under a
high state of cultivation, many improvements
being made thereon, and it became one of the val-
uable and desirable places of the neighborhood.

Mr. Fuller was twice married. In 1854 he was
united in marriage with Miss Bogart, and to them
was born one son, John H., who is now living in
.St. Paul, where he was employed as assistant yard-
mfister on the".Soo Line, "and the Chicago, Milwau-
kee & .St. Paul Railroad. Mrs. Fuller died in 1856,
and on the 5lh of June, 1867, Mr. Fuller married
Miss May E. Dustman. Three children graced this
union, but Marian and Myrtle, twins, both died in
infancy. Kaliili H. resides at home and carries on
the farm. lie is a wide-awake and enterprising
young man, highly respected in the community,
and after his father's death he succeeded to the
oflice of School Treasurer.

Mr. Fuller had served as School Treasurer for
the long period of twenty-five years. He had also

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

377

served »s Assessor and Township Supervisor, and
in lliese various offices had discharged his duties
with a promptness and fidelity that h«d won him
liigh commendation and led to his frequent re-
e.ection. He was always true to a trust, whether
public or private, and therein- won the confidence
of all with whom lie was brought in contact. With
the Masonic lodge he held membership. He owned
one hundred and twenty acres of land, and thus

left bis family in comfortable circumstances. He
took an active interest in public enterprises, and
was recognized .as a valued citizen. His death oc-
curred .July 7, l»9t, and he was laid to rest in
Saratoga Cemetery, amid the deep regret of many
friends. His widow and son still occupy the old
homestead and are prominent people of the com-
munity.

Wilson C. Brown.

WILSON C. BROWN, Chief Clerk of the
Winona & St. Peter Land Company,
and one of the highly respected citi-
zens of this county, comes from the far-off state of
Maine. He was born May 14, 1847, in Last Wil-
ton, Franklin County, and there remained until
the age of ten years, when he removed to Kenne-
bec County, Me., with his parents. His father,
Charles T. Brown, was general agent for the North
Wayne Kdge Tool Conipany. fif Maine, and re-
sided in the Pine Tree State until the year llStJO,
when he emigrated westward, becoming a res-
ident of St. Peter, Minn. He represented his
district, the Nineteenth, in the .State Legislature
continuously from 1866 to 1869, serving one
term in the House and three terms in the Slate
Senate, and from 1H72 to 1874 he was I'nited
States Surveyor-General of the sUite. He was a
prominent man in public affairs, his worth and
ability well fitting him to be a leader of the |)eople.
He was also President of the Hoard of Trustees of
the asylum at St. Peter from the lime f)f iU or-
;;anization until his death, the building having been
erected under his supervision. He died in St.

Peter, November 30, 1879, and thereby Minne-
sota lost one of its most valued citizens.

Wilson C. Brown acquired his education in the
common schools, and with his parents came to
Minnesota in 1860, when thirteen years of age.
At the age of seventeen he entered the United
.States land oflice at .St. Peter in the capacity of
clerk, and thus served for five years under Abner
Tibbits, and later with ex-Governor .Swift. In
that oHice he remained until 1869, when he came
to Winona, and entered the service of the Winona
it .St. Peter Railroad Company as chief clerk of its
land department. Later, in 1876. he held the .same
ollice with the Winona A- .Si. Peter I^nd Com-
pany, a position which he has filled continuously
since in a most creditable and acceptable manner.

The Winona it .St. Peter Land Company ac-
quired by purchase from the Winona it St, Peter
Kailrnad ('(<mp:iny about five hundred thousand
acres of land, included in the hitter's Congressional
grants, located from Winona westward in the va-
rious counties along its line of railroad. This
domain, comprising a fine body of agricultural
lands, has l>een disposed of in small li-acls to actual

378

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

settlers at low prices and on easy terms, tbiis en-
abling man}- people to obtain a desirable liome in
southern Minnesota who could not otherwise have
done so. Mr. Brown has established branch offices
at various |)laces for the accommodation of set-
tlers, and has thus disposed of a large amount of
propel ty. He attends carefully to all the details
of the business, is alive to tiie company's interests,
and his faithful service has won him universal

confidence. In addition to his other interests, Mr.
Urown is a Director in the Citizens' State Bank of
Redwood County.

On the 21st of September, 1869, iu St. Peter,
Mr. Brown was married to Miss M. Alice Dunning,
of that place. Their union h.as been blessed with
two children, a son and daughter, Carleton W. and
Maude D.

Nic Lambert.

NIC LAMBP2RT, who is living on section
18, Wilson Township, where he operates a
valuable farm, is one of the wide-awake
and enterprising young men of tiie community.
He was born on a farm in Oneida County. N. Y.,
December 26, 1861, and is a son of Michael and
Elizabeth (Killian) Lambert, both of wlioni were
natives of Germany. During his boyhood the fa-
ther came with his parents to the New World, the
family lf)cating in the Empire State. During the
first few years after his arrival lie worked at rail-
roading, and then sought a home in the West, com-
ing to Winona County in 186.'). Two years later
he purchased a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres on section 18, Wilson Township, and after-
ward added to it until he now owns one hundred
and sixty acres. This he placed under a high state
of cultivation, transforming the once wild prairie
into rich and fertile fields. He pl.ac'cd thereon
many excellent improvements, including all the
accessories and conveniences which are found upon
a model farm. There may be found a comfortable
residence, good barn and outbuildings and well
kept fences. Mr. Lambert has retired from active
business life and is now living in Winona, at the age
iif sixty-six years. His business career has been a
prosperous one, and in his decliniDg days he can

rest from all care, fora competence acquired through
his own exertions supplies him with all the neces-
sities and many of the luxuries of life.

To Mr. and Mrs. Lambert were born seven chil-
dren, all of whom are yet living in this count}',
namely: Barbara, now the wife of John Redick, a
resident of Winona; Mike, who is living in Winona
Township; Nic, of this sketch; Philip and Adam, at
home; Mrs. Mary Redick; and Annie, who is still
under the parental roof.

Mr. Lambert, of this sketch, was a child of only
fiiur years when he was brought by his parents to
this county. In the usual manner of farmer lads
the days of his boyhood and youth were passed.
He attended the district scliools in the winter sea-
son, but during the greater part of the year his
time and attention were given to farm work. He
continued under the parental roof until he bad
attained his majority, when he started out to earn
his own livelihood, working as a farm hand and at
carpentering.

As a ctimpanion and helpmate on life's journej*
Mr. Lambert chose Miss Tracy Einhorn, their wed-
ding being celebrated on the 13th of April, 1884.
Her father. Michael Einhorn. was horn in (Jerniany.
and on emigrating to America began farming. He
is now one of the well-to-do agriculturists of Wi-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

379

nona County. To Mr. and Mrs. Lambert have
been born eight children, five sons and two daugh-
ters, who in order of hirth nre as follows: Miciiael.
Nic, Elizabetli, Philip, Johnnie and Angeline, and
an infant son.

In his politic.il views Mr. Lambert is a Democrat.
He is now serving as School C'U'rk, and tlie cause
of education finds in him a warm friend. lie h;is,
however, never sought public otiiee, its iionors and
emoluments having no attraction for him. He

is connected with the German Catholic Church.
Mr. Lambert has spent almost his entire life in this
county, and has therefore become widely known,
lie lias many warm friends, among whom are those
who have known him from boyhood and have been
witnesses of his well spent life and straightforward
career. As a citizen he manifests a commendable
interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of
the community and bears his part in the work of
public advancement.

Oliver W. Tibbetts.

Oi.l \ Ki; \V. TIBBErr.S is one of the enter-
prising, wide-awake and valued citizens
of Dakota, Winona County. He is engag-
ed in contracting, also operates a stone-quarry
for the Government, and carries the mail from
Hidgeway to Dakota. Mr. Tibbetts is a western
man by birth, for he claims Linn County, Iowa,
as the place of his nativity. He was born Decem-
ber '2H, 18.").'?, and is a son of .Icremiah \V. and
Catherine (Mainard) Tibbctt*. the fullier a native
of Indiana, the mother born near Ottawa, prov-
ince of Ontario, Canada. The father was ii farmer
by occupation, and in 1M4'J emigrated to Minne-
sota, locating in Dresbach, where he engaged in
buKiness as an Indian trader for a time. Me tlii-n
removed to Iowa, but after a year spent in the
llawkeye State, took up his residence in the vil-
lage of Dakota, this county. For several years he
spent much time going back and forth between the
two places, l)Ut at this writing, in the fall of 1894,
he is located in the city of Winona.

Oliver W. Tibbetts was reared under the parental
roof, remaining at home until the day l)efore he

attained his majority. At that time, December
27, 1874, he was united in marriage with Miss
Alice Wilson, daughter of J. O. and Sarah (Brown)
Wilson, both of whom were natives of New York,
but now reside upon a f'lrm in this county. Four
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tibbetts, three
of whom are yet living. Ethel May, born October
9, 1875, and Edith C, born December 12. 1877, are
still at home; (4eorge W., born October 18, 1879,
is the only son and the pride of the family. .Mice
M., lK)rn March 21, 1885, died on the 2d of Nov-
ember of the same ye.ir.

Mr. Tibbetts had no capiUil at the time of his
marriage, but posseted a young man's bright
hoi>c of the future, and a determination to suc-
ceed, and with a resolute purpose began farming
on rented land, lie worked hard, and practiced
economy, and at the end of a year was enabled to
purchase forty acres of land, to which he removed.
With characteristic industry he began its develop-
ment, and five years later purchased another tract
of forty acres. He then sold out, paid v(f all in-
debtedness, and began work at day labor. He

380

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he now owns some property in the village, besides
his stone-quarry, all of which has been acquired
through perseverance, industry and good manage-
ment. He also owns an imported Clydesdale, which
has taken more prizes than any other horse ever
took in the show ring, being one of the finest
heavy draft liorses in the United States.

Mr. Tibbetts manifests a commendable interest
in everything pertaining to the welfare of the
community, and the cause of education finds in

him a warm friend. He had no special school
privileges himself, but resolved that his children
should not lack in that direction, and is giving
them good advantages. He is now serving as
Constable of Dakota, a position he has filled for
about six years with credit to himself and satis-
faction to his constituents. He votes with the
Republican party, and in his religious views is an
Episcopalian.

Samuel W. Spalding.

AMUEL W. SPALDING. The pioneer res-
idents of Winona County have witnessed
many changes within the past thirty years
— wild tracts of land transformed into fields of
waving grain, elegant structures where once stood
the log cabin of the frontiersman, and schools
and churches where once the savages roamed un-
molested. Among those who have aided in effect-
ing this happy result, and who have lived to see
the fruit of their labors, is the subject of this
present sketch, who is still living on his fine farm
in Pleasant Hill Township.

Mr. Spalding was born in Canada, March IG,
1829, and is the son of Joseph Spalding, who was
of Welsh descent. He had six brothers and three
sisters, four of whom were born in the Dominion,
where our subject rcnained for the first five years
of his life; the others were born in New York State.
At that age he accompanied his parents on their
removal into tlie States. They made location in
Essex County, N. Y.. where Samuel W. grew to

manhood and was given a good education in the
schools near their home. One year after attaining:
his iiuijority lie began to earn his own money b3'
working out for others on farms. He continued
in this manner for three J'ears, and then, being
fond of the sea, was engaged as fisherman on a
schooner for two summers, the vessel being em-
ployed off the coast of Newfoundland. After his
experience as a sailor, young Spalding came West,
by way of the Erie Canal and Lakes, and first
located in Will County, 111. He only remained
tliere for six months, however, when iie removed
to what is now Houston County, Minn. While
here he took up a quarter-section of Government
land, on which he erected a rude log cabin. After
clearing this tract he sold it and entered another
claim for a like amount. On it Mr. Spalding and
his sister resided for two years, when the former
came to Winona County, and located on the estate
which he still owns and occupies, in March. 1856.
It includes eighty acres on section 9, which histhor-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3Sl

ougli knowledge of agriculture has enabled liira to
cultivate and improve in a most proflUxble manner.
The greater portion of the claim was covered with
a heavy growth of timber, and in order to get
this property in readiness for ciillivalion, he ex-
pended much lime and toil.

Wlien read}' to establish a home of his own, Mr.
Spalding was married, in 1857, to Miss Sarah .lane
Hatch. To them was born one son, Franklin, who

is now a farmer living in this township. Politic-
ally our subject has always been a stahvart Demo-
crat. He has been Supervisor of his township, and
aided in the building of the first schoolhouse in his
home district. He has ever been true to the var-
ious duties and responsibilites imposed upon him,
and few men in any community deserve or receive
higher esteem.

Joseph J. Hillmer.

IO.SEIMI J. 1 11 LL.^^■:K, Professor of Ancient
and Modern Languages in the high school of
_ Winona, was born in Rottenmann, .Styria,
-Austria, on the 9th of March, 1844. His fa-
tiier, .Joseph Hillmer, was an extensive brewer and
a prominent citizen of Rottenmann. One of his
daughters still owns the old homestead, a summer
resort in the Alps. One son, A. Hillmer, was a
captain in the Austrian armj-,aiid for distinguished
services received the golden cross and gold medal.
His death resulted from exposure during the serv-
ice. He had just been promoted to be captain of
the Hoch und Deiitchmeister Regiment of Vienna,
the leading regiment of the army.

.1. .1. Hillmer spent his boyhood days in his fa-
ther's home, and attended the public schools until
eleven years of age, when he entered the g.yinna-
sium at Oratz, where lie pursued his studies eight
years, taking the regular preparatory course for
the univei-sity. At the age of twenty he entered
the Imperial I'niversily at (Jratz, where he re-
mained for three and a-half years. From his boy-
hood days he had expected to enter the Romish
priesthood, which course had Iweii decided upon
by his mother. He pui-sued the regular theolog-
ical 8tudie.s, devoting himself to oriental lan-
guages— the Arabic, Hebrew, Syriac, Chaldato and
16

Armenian. He had previously studied llie Greek,
French, Italian and German langu.ages, and had
now become proficient in ten <lifferent tongues.
The professors in the university were among the
most prominent teachers in the world.

Professor Hillmer "s studies had awakened in
him a love of liberty, and, deciding to come to
the United .States, he left the university just
before completing the regular course, in order to
avoid ordination and thus be under the control of
the bishop. He crossed the Atlantic in 1867 and
went to St. Paul, accompanied by a classniate. He
reached his destination December 24, this being
the loneliest Christmas eve he had ever experi-
enced. Professor Hillmer wa> induced to go to
St. Paul through correspondence with a friend at
Belle Plaine, and in that city was ordained for
the priesthood in April, 1868, by Hishoi) Grace.
He then went to Minnea|K)lis to take charge of St.
Boniface's (Jerman Church in .St. Anthony. He re-
moved the house of worship from the outskirts of
the town to the main street in St. Anthony, near
where (Jennania Hall now stands. The school was
already established, and m 186;t ho succeeded in
introducing the now famous Faribault plan, cred-
ited to Bishop Ireland. This consisted in getting
the school board to p.ay the teachers and combing

382

PORTRAIT AND BIOGKArillCAL RECORD.

with the public schools, retaining the Catholic
teacher and religious instruction, wliich was to be
given after regular school hours. After a year
this wns discontinued, but it was the beginning of
the famous Faribault plan of education.

Mr. Ililliner also had charge of two missions,
one in Crystal Lake Township and tiie other in
Medina Township, near Minnetonka. In the year
1870 he erected St. Joseph's Church in North
Minneapolis, which was named in his lionor, and
he was aided largel3' by Jacob Barge, John Orlh
and other prominent German citizens. For some
time he had charge of that church, there be-
ing then onl}' three priests in Minneapolis, the
. others being F'ather McGolrich, now Bishop of Du-
lutli, and Rev. Father Tissot. lately deceased. Fa-
ther [IfUmer had charge of the church until No-
vember, 1870. About this time a change in his
views occurred. He became acquainted with Rev.
D. B. Knickerbocker (the rector of (iethsemane
Episcopal Church of Minneapolis, but now Bishop of
Indiana), whose liberal and broad views had a great
influence on the church and also upon Mr. Hill-
mer. His natural love of liberty led him to accept
these ideas. About this time the infallibility of
the Pope was declared, a view wliich he could not
accept, nor would he submit to the arbitrary rul-
ings of the ecclesiastical authorities, whose de-
mands were at times extreme and unjust. He de-
cided to leave the priesthood, and carried out the
resolution in November, 1870. He sent his resig-
nation to Bishop Grace, who would not accept it.
but Mr. Ilillmer was thoroughly disgusted with
the lives of priests, saw much insincerity in their
doctrines and could not consistently remain in the
Catholic Church. He has, however, still retained
his intimacy with his old parishioners, whom he
always visits while in Minneapolis.

It was the intention of Mr. Ilillmer to join the
Episcopal clergy. He went to Faribault, where
Bishop Whipple resides, and in accordance with
the canons of the church he spent six months in
study for the ministry, and was then received as a
minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church, on the
^Ist of June, 1871. He w.as placed in charge of
Trinity Church at Stockton, Winona County,
where lie remained for one year. While in that

city he was married, September 1, 1871, to Miss
Emma J. Booth, then a student in St. Mary's Hall,
of Faribault, Minn., which cit\' was her home.
Her father wns a prominent merchant of Hamil-
ton. Fillmore County, where he located atan early
da\'. David L. Booth will be well remembered by
the old citizens of Winona, as he had intimate re-
lations with many of the pioneer settlers. To Mr.
and -Mrs. Ilillmer have been born the following chil-
dren: Jennie Monica, a teacher in the city schools;
Joseph Booth, cashier in the United States Express
Company's office; Nona Theresa and Elsie Corinne.

During the year passed in Stockton, Professor
Hillmer was also rector of a church in Minnesota
City. In October. 1872, he went to St. Charles,
Minn., and first conducted services in the parlor
of his home; he afterwards held meetings in a hall
until Trinity Church was erected. He also con-
ducted services occasionally in Chatfield and Eyota.
In connection with his ministerial work he taught
private classes in German in Rochester, and thus
began his career as a teacher. He came to Winona
in 'August, 1876, having been elected teacher of
German in the public schools. At the same time
he held regular services on Lord's Day in Rush-
ford and Minneiska, and at times during the ab-
sence of the rector filled the pulpit of St. Paul's
Church in Winona. In 1890 he became rector of
Grace Church at Wabasha, and spends Saturday
and Sunday of each week at that place, where his
work lias been extreniel3' successful. He is now
teacher of languages in the high school of Winona,
having classes in Latin and Greek, four classes in
German and one in French. He thoroughly enjoys
his school work, and makes it a ilelighl to the stu-
dents. Till' relations between them are ever of
the most pleasant, and the pupils all have the
highest regard for Professor Hillmer. The degree
of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred upon him
by Galesville University, of Galesvillc, Wis. For
some time he was also associated with Dr. Tescliau
in the publication of the Winona Adlrr. a weekly
German paper.

Professor Ilillmer is very prominent in Masonic
ciicles. He was made a .Mason in Rising Sun
Lodge No. lit, A. F. A- A. M., of St. Charles, and
took the lirsl three chapter degrees in Clialtield,

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

383

and the Royal Arch degree in Winona. He then
joined the Winona lodge and chapter and was
Wortliy Master at this pl.iee in 1886 and 1887.
For many years he was Chaplain, and at this writ-
ing lie is serving as Secretary. lie is also Secre-
tary of Winona Chapter No. 5, R. A. M., Prelate
of C'oeiir de Ixon Coniniandery, and has been a
delegate to the Grand Lodge. While serving as
Master he introduced the dramatization of the
Masonic work, introducing the stage, and in this his
labors liave been most effective. He acted as King
Solomon, and still holds the position. Only one
other lodge in the state h.as adopted this most ex-
cellent feature in conferring degrees.

In 1885 Professor Hillmer visited the old Aus-
trian home, where he spent the vacation months,
meeting many of his old friends and classmates
and some of his former professors. He also spent
many pleasant hours with his brother, the Captain,
who died the following year. A love of liberty
has been one of Professor Hillmer's chief charac-
teristics, and in accordance with this he is a man
of broad mind, whose views on no subject are nar-
row or contracted. To others he accords the same
right of far-reaching thought, and in consequence
is charitable and liberal in his judgments.

riarshall Ney Pierce.

\r AUSllAI.L M:Y I'IKHCi:, who resides at
I No. 470 litoadwa^- Street, Winona, claims
Illinois as the stjite of his nalivily, his
birth having occurred in Galena, on tlie 17th of
November, 1849. He was a son of Marshall IJ.
Pierce, then Sheriff r)f .lo Daviess County. 111., and
one of the prominent citizens of that locality.
The subject of this sketch was reared in Savannah,
III., an<l continued in his native stat«> until .lune,
IH70, when he came to Winona, and secured a
position as bookkeeper with Langley A- Hatcher,
a i)roniinent commission firm. With Ihiscompaiiy
he was connected until April, 1872, when he en-
gaged with Joseph Reynolds, who was known
throughout the Northwest as "Diamond .lo." He
became a great favorite of Mr. Reynolds, was given
at once responsible positions, and had the confi-
dence of his employer in an unlimited degree. He
was fust made b()okkee|)er for K. 15. Strong it Co.,
Mr. Reynolds being the principal stockholder in

that company, and in .\ugust, 1878, wiien Mr.
Strong removed to Cliicago, .Mr. Pierce l)ccame
general managei' for the Reynolds grain business
at this place, and hatl charge of the grain which
was shipped by the "Diamond Jo" steamei"s, used in
the business on the I'pper Mississippi. This busi-
ness was afterward transferred lo Dubuque.

Mr. Reynolds w.as a man whose interests wore
varied, and at the time of the transfer of the
grain business to I)ubu(|ue, Mr. Pierce was placed
in charge of other interests, being given the posi-
tion of Auditor and local Treasurer of the Hot
Springs Railroad. He entered iipcui his duties in
December, 1881, and served in that cap.icity until
the death of liis employer. He was also a Direc-
tor of the road, of which Mr. Reynolds was Presi-
dent, Secretary and Treasurer, .\fter the death of
the latter. Mr. Pierce, in March, 18'.il. was elected
Secretary and TieaMirer of the company. He was
also serving as Auditor and local Treasurer, and as

384

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

such had charge of all the receipts and disburse-
ments. Tlic position therefore was a very res[)on-
sible one, :uid he continued to act in that capacity
until June, 1893, when, on account of failing health,
he was forced to resign, and was succeeded by
Capt. Fred A. Bill, who is well known to the peo-
ple of Winona.

On the 22d of November, 1882, Mr. Pierce was
united in marriage with Miss Frances Medera
Lewis, daughter of John P. Lewis, formerly a mer-

chant of Winona, who dice! in Indianapolis, Ind.,
in 18!)4. Mrs. Pierce was i-eared in this city, and
by her marriage has one daughter, Frances Ger-
trude, who is eleven years of age. Mr. Pierce
possesses most excellent business and executive
ability', is enterprising and prog'essive, and saga-
cious and far-sighted. He gives close attention to
all details, is true to ever}' trust, and thereby merits
the confidence of all.

Ole Nelson.

OLE NELSON, a native o'f Norway, s the
owner of a good farm in Wiscoy Town-
ship. He is a veteran of the late Civil
AVar and a valiant soldier of several of its impor-
tant campaigns. He is now identified with the
Grand Army of the Republic, and on all occasions
may be found discharging his duties as a patriotic
citizen of his adopted land. He is progressive
and public spirited, striving to uphold measures
calculated to bring prosperity to this community.
Though he has never been an ofKcc-seeker, he once
served as (,'onstable in the burgh of Wilson, being
the first to hold that office. In politics his l)allot,
is deposited in favor of Republican nominees.
Our subject was born May 7, 1835, and is one of
"five sons and five daughters whose parents were
Andrew and Josephine Nelson, the others being as
follows: Caroline, Nets. Anna, Dolan. Katherine,
Abraham, Eineker, and two who died in infancy.
Our subject's early years were passed on his father's
farm. He received a practical education in the

common schools, and in 1849, with his parents, set
sail for America. After seven weeks on the At-
lantic, they landed in New York City, from where
they proceeded to Huffalo by canal, and thence to
Milwaukee by way of the Lakes. At that lime the
city was a mere fishing village. Our subject con-
tinued to reside in the place where the family first
located until 1846, when he went to the vicinity of
Haraboo, Wis., where his father had taken up some
Government land. The latter "s death wcurred in
April, 1846, and in the following fall his faithful
wife followed him to the silent land.

When Ole Nelson was left an orphan he was
only thirteen years of age, and he was then thrown
u|)on his own resources to rise or fall, as the case
might be. For live years he worked for his lK)ard
and clothes in the employ of a farmer, and on the .
expiration of this period continued with the same
man for a year on small wages. For about three
months he was in the employ of the North- Western
Railway Company, whose road he helped to sur-

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

385

vey. In llie spring of 1853 lie went to Appleton,
Wi.s., and alliMiflcrl Lawrence I'niversily for llie
following year.

In 1854 Mr. Nelson went to Wilson Townsiiip,
wliere lie purciiased one hundred and sixty acres
of (Government land, pai'ing at llie rate of ^l.ib
per acre. He erected a log cabin, to wliicli he
lirought all his helongings by ox-teams. After
living on the farm for four 3'ears he sold the place
and purchased one in Houston County, this state,
and engaged in its cultivation until 1802, when he
enlisted in defense of the Union. He was muster-
ed into the ranks as a private soldier of Company
D, Seventh Minnesota Infantry, at Ft. Snelling, on
August 14. He was then sent on a campaign
through the Dakotas, where the Indians were taking
advantage of the grave situation in this country's
affairs to pillage and devastate the farms of the
settlers in the Northwest. Mr. Nelson's (irst en-
gagement was with a band of Indians number-
ing about four or live hundred, and he took
pail ill .■ui important battle with them, besides
nunuMous skirmishes. In the spring of 1861^ he
was sent across the Missouri River on the trail of
the marauding red-skin, and was thus employed
until the next fall, when he was discharged on ac-
count <if disability at I'"t. .Snelling. Ho was mus-

tered out of service December 2'.», 1863. Soon
afterwards he took up his abode in Winona Coun-
ty, where he rented land for a few years, and then
settled on the farm which he now owns. This is
located on sections 2.'), 20 and ;55, Wiscoy Town-
ship. Mr. Nelson owns allogelher some two hun-
<lred and forty acres, a portion of which he rents
to responsible tenants. He is a practical and
thrifty- agriculturist and a good business manager.
June 17, 1860, occurred the marriage of our
subject and Miss Caroline \.. (laughter of D. B.
Clarke, of Pleasant Hill Township. Fourteen chil-
dren were born of their union, namely: Andrew,
who died March 11, 1884; Ellie, whose death
occurred October 3, 18U1; Aline, who died .Sep-
tember 12, 1880; and Willie, Charlie, Fred, John,
Frank, Albert, Caroline L. and Amy .1. The
mother of these children wjis called to the silent
iand .Tune 27, 1884. The family are much re-
spected in this locality, where they are very well
known and arc esteemed among its best citizens
Mr. Nelson is truly a self-made man, as he began
life entirely without capital, and. undaunted by
the ditlicullies in his way, pressed steadily onward
to the goal he had in view, that of becoming well-
off in this wculd's goods and of occupying an hon-
ored place among his fellow-men.

Berend Ballmann.

I J) P:RKND KALLMANN, a worthy (Jerman-
• ) .American citizen of Hart Township, is an
early settler of this lf)cality, and is entitled
til a place in its annal.s, for he has always to the
liest of his ability supported all public measures
and improvements in the community where lie
makes his home. He owns a well improved home-
stead, situated on section I, and this place, now
equipped with substantial farm buildings, fences,
etc., bears little resemblance to the one of former
years, on which stood only a log cabin. Fur a

quarter of a century our subject has been Town-
ship Clerk, anil for a like period of time has been
Justice of the Peace. In educational matters his
inlliiencc has always lieeii felt in favor of good
schools and teachers and better facilities for the
young. In 18H8 he wsis elected <m the Demo-
cratic ticket to the position of Register of Deeds
of this county, and acceptably discharged the du-
ties pertaining to the olllce foy a period of two
terms, or ffnir years.

Our 8ul»jecl is one of three sons and eight

386

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

daughters. He was born August 20, 1838, in
Germany, and passed his boyhood on a farm. He
received a good education in his mother tongue,
and started out in life for himself on reaciiing his
majority. He took passage on a sailing-vessel
bound for tlie United Slates, and arrived in New
Yorii City at the end of seven weeks. For tlie
following year lie remained in the metropolis, and
finally', in 1860, came to Minnesota, lie soon took
up his abode in Hart Township, purchasirg a part
of the farm where he now lives, a tract of one
hundred and sixty acres. As the years have passed
he has been greatly prospered in his financial un-

dertakings, and is now the proprietor of four
hundred and forty acres of land, situated in one
body, and most of it under cultivation.

In 1864 Mr. Baliinann married Miss Louisa Yaco,
and the following children came to bless their
union: Hernard, John, William, Winnie, Helen,
Otto, George, Martha, Mamie, Betty and Alice.

In addition to managing his large estate with
marked ability, Mv. Ballmann has been interested
in various other enterprises, and was one of the
organizers of the Farmers' Insurance Company
and the Rolling Stone Fire Insurance Company,
being Treasurer of the former.

Jacob Johns.

JACOB JOHNS. The progress made by Wi-
nona County in commerce and agriculture is
largely due to the energy, (lerseverance and
industry of its foreign-born citizens, many of
whom have here gained prosperity, if not affluence.
One of this class is Mr. Johns, a wealtli3' and pro-
gressive agriculturist, who owns a tine estate in
Hart Township. He is a native of (icimany, but
since his fifteenth year has dwelt within the limits
of this county, with the development and history
of which he has been prominently identified up to
the present time.

The parents of our subject were Jacob and Mag-
gie (Jahn) .Johns, the former of whom was a na-
tive of Germany, and is now living in Winona
County, having attained the age of ninety-four
years. Our subject was born August 5, 1842, and
at the age of three years was brought by his par-
ents to America, the journey across the ocean con-
suming two months. After landing in I'imIiimioii',
Md., they proceeded to Missouri, and made their
home in that state for the ensuing seven years,
after which they went to Hazel Green, Wis. In
IS.'ie they came to Winona County, and settled in

Hart Township, where our subject grew to manhood
and began the battle of life for himself. At the
age of eighteen he began to work for farmers by
the month, and was thus employed until the out-
break of the late war.

August 15, 1862, Mr. Johns enlisted as a private
soldier in Company E, Sixth Minnesttta Infantry,
and was iiuistered into the service at Ft. Snelling.
Ilis first engagement was at Birch Coolie, Septem-
ber 2, 1862, in one of the Indian reservations, and
the second battle was Wood Lake, September 23,
1«62. He was mainly employed in looking after
the redmen of the Northwest until the spring of
1864, when he was sent southward. He partici-
pated in the battle of Helena. Ark., and the sieges
of Spanish Fort and Ft. Blakely, and also took
part in many other engagements of less renown,
lie was never wounded nor taken prisoner, and
served from first to last as a private soldier. Ilis
final discharge was dated August 19, 1S65.

On his return home Mr. Johns rented land for a
year, and at the expiration of that time, by strict
economy and industry, he was enabled to lay aside
a sum sullicient to purchase eighty acres of land.

PORTRAIT AND BIOORAPIIICAL RECORD.

387

This property was located on section 28, Hart
Township, and piovcd the nueleu.s of liis present
|i(isscs,sioii!<. As lie could afford he extended his
dinnains. until now he is the proprietor of four
Imiidred and forty acres, lie has heen equally
successful as a general farmer and as a slock-raiser.
and most enterprises undertaken hy him have
lieen carried through to a successful consummation.
May IH. 1^68, .lacoh .Johns married Aliss Theresa
Krvzer. and they liecame the parents of twelve

children, named as follows: Marj', Sophia, Lizzie,
Kmma. Annie, .Jacob, Henry, Rose, Willie, Hannah,
Kddie and George. In religion Mr. .lolins and
family are identified with the Catholic Church.
Ileuses his franchise in favor of the Democratic
party, and has held the position of Tt)wnship Su-
pervisor and Constable, in both of which he made
a good record for himself and gave full satisfac-
tion to his constituents. Socially he is a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic.

William Qarlock.

< \ (TjlUJAM G.VRI.OCK. deceased, was one

X/X / of the most valued citizens of the
county, and on his death was widely
missed, but his life was a long and useful one, and
the reward prepared for the righteous is surely his.
Mis inlluence will long be felt, and the best inter-
ests of the community bear the impress of his char-
acter. He was a man of sterling worth, ever true
to his business, his friends and himself. He was
filled with no vain ambition to stand on more ex-
.'ilted pinnacles, but to those who countetl him as
an associate in his less prosperous day.s he re-
mained the same unobtrusive, warm-hearted man.
lie loved truth and honesty, and was opposed to
anything under-handed. His affairs wouhl always
iK-ar the light of strong investigation, ami his ca-
reer was ever honorable and straightforward. A
clase student f)f economic questions, he had the
keen insight into the future course of eommeice
that can only be obtained from a careful study of
business history. He was not quick to jump at

conclusions, but gave due credit to the opinion of
others, and when his mind was made up and a
course adopted it was seldom his plans were
changed or that a necessity for change existed.

William (Jarlock possessed many of the charac-
teristics found in the sturdy ancestry from which
became, lie had the indomitable pluck and perse-
verance of the I'urilaii forefathers, without their
intolerance, and the keen-sigh ted n ess and adapta-
bility of the lali-r New Knglanders. He w.is born
on the l.'Hh of .lanuary, 1818, in Montgomery,
N. Y., and six weeks later was taken to Onon-
daga County, where the family settled. There
he grew to manhood, becoming inured to the hard
labor necessary to farming operations in a new
country. Hut little is known of his parentage, or
of the ancestry of the family, but there is no
doubt as to the spirit of application and perse
verance, and the lessfms of integrity ami honesty
that were instilled into him in all his boyhood
years. In October, 181 1, when in his twenty-fourth

388

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

year, be was united in man'iage witli Miss Julia
Horlon, a lady of merit, who proved through life
to be a valuable helpmate and companion to her
husband on every occasion. They had one daugh-
ter, Mrs. J. N. Selover, of Winona; and a son, Will-
iam II., now cashier of the .Second National Bank
of Winona.

Mr. and Mrs. Garlock had a desire to cast in
their lot with the people who were emigrating
westward, and as Minnesota was then drawing
hundreds from the East we find them early in June,
1856, located in Winona. Mr. Oarlock at once
became associated with the now venerable L. C.
Porter in purchasing an interest in a sawmill from
Wycklioff & Highland, and they did a fairl3' suc-
cessful business until I860. This was before the
lumber interests had assumed extensive propor-
tions, and the financial panic of 1857 coming on,
the business was of comparatively slow growth.

We learn that in 1858 Mr. Garlock purchased
the first load of wheat ever offered upon the
market, paying for it in lumber. This he had
ground into flour in Huff's old mill, and in turn
traded the flour for pork, from which he managed
to realize some cash. This was his first start as a
grain dealer, but he soon turned his attention more
fully to that business, becoming an extensive and
successful operator in grain, purchasing at various
points on the river, as well as on the lines of
railway in the interior. His business in this line
was continuously successful, and in his career he
always refrained from having anything to do with
board of trade speculations. In no sen^e a gam-
bler, his operations were of a strictl}' legitimate na-
ture, he only selling that which he had the ability to
supply'. His clear-sightedness was soon recognized
by other business men, who sought association with
him in strictly financial matters, where just the
qualities he possessed were in demand. In 1858
the Bank of Southern Minnesota was established,
the principal stockholders being Mr. Garlock, L.
C. Porter and Thomas Bennett. In 1861 this was
re-organized, becoming the First National Hank,
and L. C. Porter was made President, William
Garlock Vice-President, and Thomas Bennett Casii-

ier. Mr. Garlock's relations with the institu-
tion lasted for ten years, when he disposed of his
stock, and with Messrs. Burbank, Prentiss and
others organized the Second National Bank, of
which he remained Director until his demise.
While never in personal charge of the bank, as a
Director his counsel was freely sought and given,
and it is in a large measure due to his conservative
course, in harmony with his associates, that this
bank now occupies an enviable position among
the financial institutions of the state.

For some years before his death Mr. Garlock at-
tended more particularly to his private interests,
and was carrying out a long-cherished desire to
erect such a home for his declining years as he and
his wife had decided upon, and when the dread
summons came the new residence was well advanced
in its course of construction. Politicall>- Mr. Gar-
lock affiliated with the Democratic partj-; being a
liberal man, however, he was not strictly bound by
traditional ideas, but recognized the good found
in other men and measures. He had no political
aspirations, and the only public office he ever
held was in the City Council, at the time the
efficient water system was established, and his
ideas were largely embodied in the accepted |)lan.
He had the fullest confidence of his supporters, and
all knew that his business sagacity and strict in-
tegrity precluded any but honest work being done
for the public so longas he remained in the council.

Mr. Garlock never attached himself to any
social or religious order, although he was in sym-
pathy with the foundation principles of both and
w.as a liberal contributor to every enterprise that
had for its object the elevation of mankind. His
was a life that was free from taint and taught the
lessons of Christian charity not in harangue or
public prayer, but in the silent daily walk of an
honest, thoughtful, generous man. He had no
vices himself, but had a great sympathj' for those
less strong, and was in touch with every move
that tended to strengthen the weak and fallen.
Free from eccentricity, lie was not an enthusiast,
l)ut with a clear brain and healthy body he was at
all times a level-headed, conservative business man.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPEIICAL RECORD.

389

Zaphna Henry Lake.

^ X Al'UNA IIKNKY I.AKK was born on the
jf CS otli of June, 1827, in Conneaut, Ashtabula
County, Oliio. His father, Znphna H-
Laitc, Sr., was a native of tlie Buckeye State, and
the grandfather was one of the earl}' settlers of
Ohio. The former was a prominent anti-slavery-
man, and his home was one of the stations on the
famous "underground railroad." He married Har-
riet Wright, who also belonged to one of the old
families of Ashtalnila County.

Our subject was reared on a farm, and during
the greater part of his youth was in delicate health.
He bej'an his education in the district schools, and
afterward attended Ashtabula College for a time.
.Mainly on account of his health he made a trip to
California in liSI'.i, in company with a physi-
cian In Sacramento he secured a hotel which had
been formerly conducted by an aunt, who trans-
ferrer! it to him on the condition that he run it as a
temperance house. Thus liecarriefl on hotel-keep-
ing for four or five 3'ear8, and was joined in Cali-
fornia by his father, wIk( had been a merchant in
Conneaut, Ohio, and was the owner of two or three
lake vessels. He afterward went to Chicago, and
became interested in real estate, and also in prop-
erty in Aurora. While on a business trip to the
latter place, he was stricken with apoplexy, and
died at the age of sixty-three years.

About that time Zaphna II. Lake went to Chi-
cago to settle up his father's estate. He had for-
merly made a location in l.a Crosse, Wis., and in
company with A. W. Webster opened a i^roceiy
store. Subsequently he came to Winona, and es-

tablished what was known as the Winona Deposit
Bank, on the site of the present Savings Bank.
Mr. Webster, his partner, who was originally from
Kingsville, Ohio, continued with him in business
until they closed out the bank, when he removed
to Chicago, where he now lives. Mr. Lake with-
drew from the banking business about 18G5. His
venture in that direction had proved a successful
one. The bank had been carried through a finan-
cial crisis without injury, and yielded to the stock-
holders a good return. Mr. Lake found it neces-
sary to withdraw on accountof failing health, and
in I860 he turned his attention to the loan and
insurance business, associating himself with R. B.
Basford. He was a man of great energy, and aj)-
plied himself so closely to his business that it
proved detrimental to his health. In 1871 he was
forced to seek a change, and went to California,
whore in a great measure he regained his health,
and on his return resumed businejis. In 1876 he
w.^s again forced to leave home, but in March of
the next year w.as brought back, and for two
months lingered along until, on the 27tli of May.
death ended his sufferings.

Mr. Lake took an active interest in public af-
fairs, and did all in his |)ower to promote the gen-
eral welfare. In early life he was a stanch Repub-
lican, but afterward became one of the followers
of Horace (ireeley, and later formed no political
ties. He was a man of firm convictions, and ad-
heied closely to whatever he believed to l>e right.
He had strong sympathy for those in need, and
t<K>k a very active part in aiding the soldiers and

390

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

others in distress during tiie late war. Me made
friends wherever he went, winning the confidence
of all b^' his lionorabie, npright hfe, and liis loss
was deeply mourned.

Mr. Lake was married, on the 29th of October,
1862, to Miss Fannie E. VAi]e, daughter of Josepii
H. and Fannie S. (Hyde) Ehle. Her father was an
active commission man on the river, and did a
good business. For some years he served as As-
sessor. He was a native of New York, came to
Winona in 1857. and after several years' illness,
died, .January 30, 1870, at the age of sixty-four.
His wife survived him until June 30, 1894, passing
awaj' in her eighty-fifth 3'ear. She had made her
home with Mrs. Lake for some years previous to

her <leath. She w.as a woman of strong and lovely
character, possessed more than average intelli-
gence, was an extensive reader and had a wonder-
ful memory, stored with historic facts, being well
versed in both modern and ancient history. She
took an active part in church and social work. and
was one of the leading members of the Congrega-
tional Church. Mrs. Lake w.is horn in Calhoun
County, Mich., and removed thence to .Southport,
now Kenosha, Wis., where she lived until coming
to Winona. She, too, is prominent in church work,
and delights in doing good. Those in distress
find in her a friend, and sympathy and substantial
aid are always given to the need}-.

David A. Murray.

(^Y^^AVID A. MURRAY takes a. leading pari
I ) in advancing the agricultural interests of
Winona County, where he has one hun-
dred and seventeen acres on section 29, Pleasant
Hill Township. He was born near Amsterdam.
Montgomery County, N. Y., .June 30, 1837. He
was there trained to farm pursuits, and when a lad
of seventeen began the struggle ol life on his own
account. About that time he made his way west
to Wisconsin, and for two 3'ears w.as identified
with the farm life of La Crosse County.

Young Murray' then removed to Minne.sota, and
taking up school land in Pleasant llill Township,
this county, was occupied in its cultivation until
joining the ranks of the Union army. This was in
1864, when he became a member of Company C,
First Minnesota Heavy Artillery, and was mustered

into the service with liis regiment at Ft. .Snelling.
From there the}' were ordered to Chattanooga, and
[ilaced on garrison duty, serving in that capacity
until the establishment of peace, when our subject
received his honorable discharge and with his
comrades returned home.

In Ihe year 1870 Mr. Murr.iy becanic the owner
of a quarter-section of land, on which he lived for
one year, and then disposed of the tract to good
advantage. Four years later we find him residing
on his present fine estate, where he is winning from
the soil an abundant share of the various grains,
and in this way secures for himself and family all
of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

The lady to whom Mr. Murray was married
March 12, 1869, was Mrs. .Jane Warwick, the wid-
ow of William Warwick. Her name previous to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

391

liLT union with that gentleman was lane Lemon,
and lier birth occurred February 27, 1844, in
Ireland. Hy her marriage with Mr. Warwick there
was born a daughter, Sarah E., who is now the
w'fe of Kdward Hesselgrave. To our subject and
his wife there has come a family of four children:
Etta; .Icanette, the wife of Edward Hesaw, resid-
ing in this county-; Lester A. and Royal R.

.Mr. Murray possesses intelligent views on all
:wil>jects of general interest, particularly on politic-

al questions, and is an ardent supporter of the
Democratic party. lie has been before the public
in the capacity of Assessor and Chairman of the
Board of Supervisors. He holds membership with
.lohn Ball Post No. 45, G. A. R., in the workings of
which he is greatly interested and takes a leading
part. Sir. Murray is a self-made man, and his
sketch will do honor to our volume and prove in-
teresting to his many friends, who hold him in the
highest possible esteem.

Oscar J. Gates.

OSCAR J. GATES, who for many years has
been prominently connected with the busi-
ness interests of Winona as a contractor
ami builder, dates his residence here from the
3'ear 18G5, and is therefore one of the earl}' set-
tlers, lie claims New York as the state of his
nativity, his birth having occurred in Essex Coun-
ty, on the lOlh of December, 1841. His par-
ents were Willis and .Mniira (Hulet) Gates. The
father was a native of Connecticut, and there
spent the dajs of his boyhood and youth. When
a young man he removed to New York, where he
engaged in fanning and also carried on a sawmill,
which undertakings constituted his life work. His
remaining days were spent in New York, where
his death occurred at the advanced age of eighty-
one. His ancestors for several generations were
natives of this country, and little is known con-
cerning the early histor.v of the family. His wife
was born in Washington Count}', N. Y., where her
death occurred at the age of stvenly-six }ears.

Cnder I lie parental roof Oscar Gates was reared
to manhood, and the common schools afforded hi in

his educational privileges. He remained at home
until the 11th of August, 1862, when, having at-
tained his majority, he responded to the country's
call for troops and enrolled his name among the
boys in blue of Company F, One Hundred and
Eighteenth New York Infantry. He went through
the services as a private, and when the war was over
was honorably discharged at Richmond, Va., on
the 14th of .lune, 18(!,'). He participated in man}'
important engagements, including the battles of
Fair Oaks, Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Richmond,
and was ever a loyal soldier, who stood at his post
and faithfully defended the Old Flag and the cause
it represented until the Stars and Stripes were
planted in the ca|)ilal of the .Southern Confederacy.
When his country no longer needed his services,
Mr. ({fttes returned to his home in New York, but
remained there only a short time. and in .Sejitember
made a location in Winiuia. The West was rap-
idly settling up, and be believed that to a man in
his business a good opening would be found. He
embarked in contracting and building, which he
lias since followed with excellent success, lie has

392

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

erected many of the most important buildings in
the city, including business blocks, public build-
ings and private residences. He is an expert
workman, and thus capable of superintending his
men. He always faitiifully fullills his part of a
contract and has the confldence and respect of all
with whom he has had business dealings. Suc-
cess has crowned his efforts, and he now has a
pleasant home and a competence which supplies
him with all the comforts of life.

On the 7th of October, 1880, Mr. Gates was
united in marriage with Miss Maggie McQuaj', of
Minneapolis, and their union has been blessed
with one son, Leonard J., now a youth of ten sum-
mers. They are well known people of this eora-
n'lunity and in social circles hold an enviable posi-
tion. Mr. Gates votes with llie Republican party,
and in his social relations is connected with the
Masonic fraternity, the Knights of Pythias lodge
.ind .lohn Ball Post No. 45, G. A. R.

Franklin Staples, M. D.

F

RANKLIN STAPLES, M. D., a physician
and surgeon of Winona, was born in Ray-
mond, now Casco, Cumberland County,
Me., on the 9tli of November, 1833, and is one of
a family of two sons and three daughters born
to Peter and Sarah (Maxwell) Staples, natives of
Maine. Only two of the children are now living,
the Doctor and his sister, Emina, who resides with
him. His only brotiier, Kdwin, was a I'nion sol-
dier in the War of the Rebellion, and was killed in
battle in Virginia in 1864. His sister Harriet
died after removing to the home of her brother in
AHnnesota, and one sister died in earl^y childhood
The father was a farmer and lumberman of the
Pine Tree State, and there died at the age of sev-
enty-four years. The mother of the Doctor passed
away when he was a boy of eleven years. The
paternal grandfather, Peter Staples, Sr., was a
farmer in Maine, and was of Knglish descent. His
death occurred at the advanced age of ninety-six.
He was one of the first settlers of the town of Rav-

inond, having removed there from Cape Elizabeth,
Me., at an early age. At the age of twenty-one
he married Sarah Dingle^-, who was then sixteen
years of age, and was also born in Cape Elizabeth.
They lived together for moie than seventy yeai-s,
and reared a large family. The mother died at the
age of ninety-nine. The maternal grandfather of
the Doctor, William Maxwell, was born in Maine,
and was also of English lineage. He made fann-
ing his life work, and died at the age of about sev-
enty. The ancestors of the Staples and Dingley
families of New Kiio|;ind on coming to this coun-
try first settled in Kittery. York County, and in
Cape Elizabeth, Cumberland County, Me.

Franklin Staples during iiis early life lived in
Buxton, York County, Me., the family moving
there when Franklin was four 3-ears old. He re-
ceived an academical education in the eoininon
school m Buxton, at Parsonslield .Seminary, and at
Limerick and Auburn (Me.) Academics. He taught
school at various plafces in the Pine Tree State, and

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

393

for a term of four ye.irs in the city of Portland,
lie beijan the study of medicine in the office of Dr.
Charles S. D. Fessenden, of Portluud, Me., in 1855.
attended lectures in the medical department of
Howdoin College in IHoli. an<l was one of the first
students in Portland School for .Medical Instruction
under the instruction of the late Prof. William C.
Kohinsoti and Prof. Israel T. Dana, now of the Maine
.Medical .School. In 18G1 he entered the College of
Physicians and Surgeons (the medical department
of Columbia College), New York, and graduated
therefrom in March, 1862. lie lirst became assist-
ant to the late Prof. David Conant, of the Maine
Medical School, as Demonstrator of Anatomy for
that year. In the summer of 1862 he established
himself as a general practitioner at Winona, Minn.

The Doctor was married on the 4tli of .June, 186.3,
to Helen M. Harford, daughter of the late Kzra
Harford, of Portland, Me. Of their four children,
two are living. The eldest, Gertrude, is the wife of
Seward D. Allen, an attorney residing in Duluth,
Minn. The children of Seward D. and Gertrude
(Staples) Allen are Franklin Staples and Seward
Ralph. Helen Ford Staples is with her parents.
Annie and Mae both died at the age of four and
ii-half years.

The Do(;toraiid liis wife are members of the Con-
gregational Church, and have done active work
therein and in educational work in the city and
state. Dr. Staples w.as one of the founders of the
Winona Preparatory Medical School. In 1871 he
wa.s elected President of the Minnesota State Medi-
cal Society, and in 1871 was ai)poiiited a member
of the Minnesota Slate Board of Health, which
|)ositi(>n he continues if) hold, having been Presi-
dent of that association since the year 188i(. He
is a member of the American Public Health Asso-
ciation and of the American .Medical .Vssociation,
was one of the .ludicial Council of the association in
1875 and 1877, aniM'ice-President in 1877. Dur-
ing the years 188.3 and 1887 he held the chair f)f

the Practice of Medicine in the medical depart-
ment of the I'niversity of Minnesota, when the
faculty of the university constituted the Medical
Kxamining Board of the State. He was the first
President of the Southern Minnesota Medical As-
sociation, which society was organized in 1892.
His writings on medical and surgical subjects have
from time to time been published in .scientific and
professional journals, but of late years his atten-
tion and interest have been largely given to sani-
tary science and to practical work in this direction.
Among the lirst of his writings in this line was his
report on "The Influence of Climate on Pulmonary-
Diseases in Minnesota," published in the Transac-
tions of the American Medical Association in 1876.
Among his other_ publications are, "A Report on
Diphtheria" in 1878, a part of the Slate Board of
Health work; "The Treatment of Fracture of the
Femur," State Medical Society work, 1878; and an
article relating to progress in modern surgeiT, en-
titled "Some Notes and Suggestions on Aseptic
and Antiseptic Surgery of the Present Time,"
1893. His writings other than professional have
been published from time to time in various jour-
nals.

Dr. Staples has been known especially by his
study and practical work as a surgeon, and has
been able to witness and have a part in the great
progress which in the last quarter of a century
our country and the world has witnessed in this
department of scientific work. His abilities, both
natural and acquired, have won for him promi-
nence in his profession, and it may be said of him
that he has enjoyed the confidence and respect of
his profession and of the community where has
lieen his field of labor. Coming to the then new
state of Mmni'sota in 1862, he has l>een able ti>
witness the growth and development of tins now-
great commonwealth and to have some part in the
work of its progress.

394

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

C. A. Bierce.

eA. BIERCE, who is engaged in llie real-
estate and insurance business, was born in
Claverack, Columbia Country, N. Y.^March
7, 1830, and is the eldest in a family of six clnl-
dren, five sons and a daughter, who were born of
the union of Cornelius B. and Catherine (Sagen-
dorph) Bierce. Tlie fatlier was a native of Con-
necticut, born about 1808. During his boyhood
days he came with the family to New York, where
he lived for forty-two years, following the occu-
pation of farming during tlie greater part of that
time. In 1850 lie bade adieu to home and friends
in the East, and with his wife and children emi-
grated to Michigan, settling in Jackson County,
where he lived until 1884. In that year he came
to AVinona, and for four years made his home with
his son, C. A. He was a ([uiet, unassuming man, of
retiring disposition, but the excellences of his
character and his sterling worth were recognized
by those who knew him best, and he thus won
many warm friends. He was much interested in
educational and religious matters, aided in the
founding of Leona College at Leona, Mich., and
was proniinentin church circles. His wife was a
daughter of Nicholas Sagendorph, who was l)orn
in German}', and on crossing the Atlantic to
America settled in New York, where he spent his
remaining days, dying at an extreme old age.

The paternal grandfather of the subject of this

Ketch was Austin Bierce. He, too, was a native

of the Nutmeg State, and carried on agricultural

pui-suits as a means of livelihood. He remained in

Connecticut until middle life, when he emigrated
with his farnil}' to New York, where he spent his
declining years. He and his wife died within two
days, and were buried in the same grave, as were
his parents before him, a remarkable circumstance.

C. A. Bierce was reared to manhood under the
parental roof, and on attaining his majority was
married, in Michigan, to Miss Frances C. Adams, a
native of Genesee County, N. Y., and a daughter
of Lockwood and Fannie J. Adams. Her parents
were both natives of Connecticut, and their family
numbered five daughters. The father, who was a
millwright and car|)enter, possessed much mechani-
cal genius, and carried on business along those lines
during his entire life. He passed away when in
the prime of life, but his wife long survived him,
and died m 1801, at tlie ripe old .age of eighty-
four years.

Mr. and Mrs. Bierce were married in 1851, and
began their domestic life in Michigan, where they
made their home until 1857. They then located
west of the Mississippi, settling in Osage, Iowa.
Mr. Bierce had previously been engaged in mer-
chandising in Michigan, but, like hundreds of oth-
ers, suffered severe losses in the financial panic of
1857, and after going to the Hawkeye State,
turned his attention to te.aching school. For five
years he was Principal of the schools of Osage, and
then taught for three years in Bradford, lows.
On the expiration of that |)eriod he once moie
embarked in mechandisiiig, opening a store in
Charles City, Iowa, where he continued for three

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

395

jears. lie was then numbered among the mei-

eliants of Northwood, Iowa, for one year, after
whicli lie hocame a resident of Mankato, Iowa,
whence he came to Winona in 1872. Soon after
h-3 embarked in the real-estate and insurance busi-
ness, which he has since followed with good suc-
cess. For several years he has been one of tlie Di-
rectors of the Gates City Carrifjge Works, and has
assisted in the establishment and promotion of
many of the leading enterprises of the county.

Throughout his entire life Mr. Hierce has been
a Prohibitionist in principle, and on the organiza-

tion of the third party in Minnesota became its
tirst Secretary. He has been the candidate for
Probate .Judge, Secretary of State, and for other
otHces, but on account of the numerical strength
of the old parties could not win election. While
in Michigan he was a member of the Methodist
Church, but is now connected with the Congrega-
tional Church, and in its work is deeply interested.
Mis life has been well and worthily |)a.ssed, his
career h.is been an honorable and upright one, and
in this volume he deserves mention.

Thomas Brady.

^ T^II()M.\S URADY. who ownsa valuable and
I highly improved farm of one hundred and
sixt}- acres on section 20, .Saratoga Town-
ship, is a native of the Kmerald Isle. He was liorn
in County Cavan. I icland. in 1H2H, and is one of
a family of fniir cliihlrcii, three sons and a daugh-
ter, whose parents were Mntliew and Susan (Far-
ley) Hrady. The days of his chiidlioixl and youth
were pas.scd ii|ioii his father's farm, where he was
early inured to hard liilif>r, beginning work in the
fields at a tender .-ige. This, Imwever, gave him
experience :iiid dfvfloped his self-reliance, and
the training then received has proven of incal-
culable benefit to him in his later jears. His ed-
ucational privileges were necessarily limited, and
he .seldom attended scIkmiI, except at the night
sessions.

On the home farm .Mr. Ihady continued his
lalMirs until l.S.')l, when, at the .nge of twenty-six
\pars. he resolved lo try his fortunes in America.
Ill- liad heard much of the advantages and privi-

leges here afforded, and resolved to test the truth
of these reports, hoping thereby to benefit his
financial condition. Taking passage on a sailing-
vessel bound for the New World, after a voyage
of nine weeks and three days he landed in New
Yolk Cilv. from wliere he made Ills way to Cam-
bria Counly. Pa. For two years he worked on a
railroad in that state, and in the spring of IH.iG
eaiiie to Minnesota, settling in Fillmore County
that liK'ality In-ing then on the frontier. Mr. lirady
entered land from the ( iovernment. and thereon
in icie his home until IM.')7. when he came lo Wi-
nona Couiity. and establislied a gi<K-erv in Troy.
For five years he carried on business along that
line, and then traded his store for eighty acres
of hind.

Mr. 15r;iciy removed to his farm In the year 1865,
anil until a short time ago continuously cj\r-
ried fni agrieiillural pni-suits He has prospered
In Ills undertakings, and his labors have brought
him a comfortable com|)etence. As bis linancinl

3^6

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

resources were increased, he extended the bound-
aries of this farm until it now comprises one hun-
dred and sixty acres of ricii and arable land. This
he rents, the income from the same being suflicient
to enable him to la_y aside business cares and live
a retired life.

Mr. Brady liolds membership with the Catholic
Church. He is a pleasant, genial and popular

gentleman, who has made many friends through-
out this community, and by his quiet and unassum-
ing, yet honorable, life he has won the confidence
of all. He is a self-educated and self-made man,
whose success is deserved, and in the history of
his adopted county' he well deserves representa-
tion.

Nelson Breed.

NELSON BREED, a horticulturist of Wi-
nona County, living in the village of
Homer, has made his home in this localit3-
during the greater part of the time since 1865, and
is therefore numbered among its early settlers, al-
most thirty years having passed since his arrival.
He was born on n. farm in Broome C!ounty, N. Y.,
.lune 11, 1850, and is a son of Lc^muel and Hannah
(Decker) Breed, the former a native of \'irgiiiia,
and the latter of the P>mpire State. In his younger
j-ears the father learned the trade of shoe-making,
and also the mason's trade, and for .some time car-
ried on the two occupations. He also engaged to
a limited extent in farming. He was in humlilc
ciieumstances, and with the hope of benedting his
financial condition he emigrated westward in 185.5,
locating in Homer in the month of .lune. Here he
remained until l.'S()5,when he went to Iowa, where
he has since resided with the exception of one year
spent in Nebraska. He is now engaged in the
hotel business. He started out in life ein|)ty
handed, having nothing on which to depend for
a livelihood save his own resources but his labors

have brought to him success, and he is now in
comfortable circumstances.

To Lemuel and Hannah Breed were born three
children, and when they were quite young their
mother died, being called to the home Ijeyond in
.laiiiiary, 1861. Nelson w.as the eldest. Mrs. Itasca
Rolland, now of Iowa, was the second, and Mrs.
Eva Denton, the wife of an engineer, was the
youngest, and (Jied in Dakota when about twenty-
five years of age. After the death of his first wife
the father was again married.

Nelson Breed remained at home until the death
of his motlicr, which occurred when he was onl}'
thirteen years of age. In the following February
he ufTered his services to the (Tovernment. enlist-
ing in Company I, Second Minnesota Cavalry.
From Homer he went to Rochester, and thence
w!vs sent to Ft. Snelling, Minn., where he was en-
gaged in Indian warfare until the 17th of Novem-
ber, 1865, when he was honorably discharged. He
served as a jinvate under Capt. Isaac Hank, and
was ever a faithful Mildicr.

On being mustered out Mr. Hreed returned to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

397

Homer and later went to Iowa, but after a short
lime left that slate for Chippewa P'ails, Wis. He
lias always considererl this place his home, how-
ever,and it ha.s been Ins peiniant-nt abode for some
lime. lie now owns nine acres of land, which he
ha'i placed under a high state of cultivation. The
improvements upon it were all made bv him, and
the buildings were among the best in the village.
He is engaged in small farming and fruit culture,
and the pn^ducts which he places on the market
find a read}- sale, for the}' are always of good va-
riety, lie also owns some sixty acres of other lands.
In this w.ay Mr. I5iced has aciiieved a comfortable
competence and is now su])plied with all the nec-
essaries and many of the luxuries of life.

Mr. Breed was married, on the 26th of May,
1874, to Miss Mary L. Hanes. She was a native

of Canada, and came to Homer on a visit. Here
she met Mr. Breed, and, the friendship ripening
into love, they were married on the above date.
Four children have been born of their union:
Ilasca M., born March 12, 1H75; Claude G., Feb-
runry 21, 1877; Holland K., November 22, 1881;
and Mary E., November 29, 1884. All are still
with their parents.

Mr. Breed has long served as School Treasurer,
his ellicnency leading to his repealed re-election.
He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic,
and IS a Democrat in politics. His duties of citi-
zenship are faithfully performed, and his many ac-
quaintances and friends know him to be a high
minded and honorable gentleman, in whom they
can pl.i<e all confidence.

Prof. Hermann Rohweder.

PROF. HERMANN ROHWEDER, of Wi-
nona, was born in Holslein, (iermany.
May 3, 1842, and is a son of Jurgen and
.Margaret (Schlueter) Rohweder. At the age of
fifteen he came to the Tnited Slates, locating
in Winona in 1857, with his father, who died in
Wabasha Counly, .Sepleniber 14, lK71,at the age
of scvenly-tive. He had spent the last jeaisof
his life on a farm with his daughter. On coming
to Minnesota, he had made a home in the eastern
part of Winona, where he lived a relirefl life.
11 ii family at that time consisted of William, Mary
and Hermann. The first-naiiied was formerly a
■contractor and builder, and served as Alderinan of
Winona, where he was recognized as a prominent
17

citizen. He now lives at Goodwin, .s. Dak. .Mary
is the wife of .liirgeu .lacobs. and at this writing,
in the fall of 1894, resides in California.

Professor Rohweder bi-gan the study of music
at the age of seven years, receiving instruction on
the violin from very able teachers. He studied
wind instrnnienls also, lilting jiiniself for orches-
tral work. His teacher was the leader of an or-
chestra, and at the age of eleven years Hermann
joined an orchestra, playing a violin and fiute.
He continued his coiini'ction with the .same until
fifteen years of aue. The work demanded con-
stant practice, and all he received for orrliestial
playing went to his instructor, Hermann being al-
lowed to keep only what he received froiQ outside

398

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

engagements. He would often play at weddings
and public gatherings, and as a hoy he earned con-
siderable money. In 18.57 the steamboat "Banjo,"
a minstrel boat built for the purpose of giving en-
tertainments, lost its leader, wiiowas taken sick, and
on reaching Winona inijuiry was made for a leader.
Mr. Rohweder was called U|)on, and .accepted tlie
position of leader of the band at 140 per month.
He tlien went to St. Paul, and during the summer
gave entertainments on board the boat, which was
built like a theater, and was capable of seating one
thousand i)eople. This orchestra visited nearly
all of the leading cities on the upper Mississippi,
and went up the Illinois River to La Salle. While
thus engaged, however. Professor Rohweder was
taken sick and returned home, where he suffered
an illness of twelve weeks. The next summer he
engaged with the George Washington De Havens
Great Union Circus as leader of the band, and
traveled with that organization for three se.asons
in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, In-
diana and Iowa. He made Winona his home, and
during the winter montlis was leader of an orches-
tra, which was engaged for balls, ))arties, etc.

Professor Rohweder was married, November 22,
1863, to Miss Margaret Dickmann, of Greenwood
Prairie, Wabasha County. She was born in llol-
stein, Germany, August 9, 1843, and came to the
United States witli her parents in 1852. Mr. Koli-
weder, already settled in Winona, gave his chief
attention to music, but also had to work along
other lines in order to make a living. Later, how-
ever, his profession furnished him a livelihood,
and in 1869 he organized the Germania Band and
Orchestra, which attained a wide reputation and
was appreciated by the public. He also gave in-
struction on the violin and other string and wind
instruments. When he came to Winona, he found
only one musical enthusi.ist here, George Frederick

Storey, a colored boy, little older than himself,
who possessed a love and genius for music, but
knew little of its principles. After receiving in-
struction, he played the harp, and Professor Roh-
weder playing on the violin, they furnished good
music. Mr. Storey has since been connected witii
the Professor, and has been a member of his family
for about thirty -seven years. He is a well read
man, who speaks (xerman as well as English flu-
ently, and is especially well versed in music.

Professor Rohweder also organized and taught
dancing classes. The Germania Band, which he
organized ia 1869, still exists, and he has arranged
much music for bands and orchestras. To the
Professor and his wife were born two children:
Dora, who died at the age of two and a-half years;
and Sophia, an expert musician, who is now the
wife of P. W. Fioemke, agent of the (ireen Bay,
Winona & St. Paul Railroad Company. Mr. Roh-
weder is one of the oldest members of Prairie
Lodge No. 7, I. O. (). ¥.. of this place, and also be-
longs to the Kncampinenl and to the United Work-
men.

In connectiun with his other work, the Professor
is interested in real estate. In 1887 he platted
Rohweder ife Brochlow's Addition to Winona, com-
jjrising several acres in the southwestern part of
the city. Much of this he has improved, and
has sold many houses and lots. He now has sev-
eral tracts of land, and both lesidence and busi-
ness property-. His home at No. 163 Liberty Street
is a fine two-story residence. He has two hundred
and ten feet frontage of improved business prop-
erty on Third Street, has erected a number of busi-
ness houses, and has a fine block of two stores. He
has also handled farm property, and bis specula-
tions in real estate have proved advantageous,
bringing him a handsome income.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

399

Hon. Thomas Simpson.

HON. THOMAS SIMPSON, prominent in
pul)lic and political affairs, and now a
leading member of the Bar of Winona
County, was born in the north of Kngland, of
Scottish ancestry. May 31, 1836. He is a son of
Anthony and Elizabeth (Bonson) .Simpson. The
paternal grandfather, Nathan Simpson, was born
in the same country, and throughout his business
career was interested in mining. He was a hardy
and vigorous man, possessing a self-reliant charac-
ter, which enabled him to go through life depend-
ent entirely upon his own efforts. At the age of
sixty his death occurred. The maternal grandfa-
ther, Robert Bonson, w.as a physician, and spent
some years in America, although he died in Eng-
land. He crossed the Atlantic in 1825, and estab-
lished the first lead furnace at Galena, III., and
also in Dubuque, Iowa. He was a member of the
Methodist Church, and reached the allotted age of
threescore years and ten.

Anthony Simpscm w.as Superintendent of an Eng-
lish mine in Swaledale, Yorkshire. About 1837 he
emigrated to the New World, locating in Dubuque,
Iowa, where he engaged in mining and smelting
for many years. He also carried on farming, and
there made his home until his deatli, which oc-
curred in 1866, at the age of fifty -seven years.
Ills wife survived him until 1871, psissing awa3- at
the age of sixty-one. In England they belonged
to the Wesleyan Church, and after coming to Amer-

ica joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, in
which Mr. Simpson long served as an officer. He
was prominent in public affairs, and was a highly
respected man. In the famil\- were ten children,
six sons and four daughters, of whom three sons
and four daughters are now living, namely: Na-
lliaii, of Dubuque; Thomas; James, of Dubuque;
.Mary, widow of Rev. .1. L. Kelley. of Dubuque;
Kiii'ii. wife of Dr. .1. X. Coldren, of Topeka, Kan.;
Margaret, widow of .lames Coates, of Dubuque
County, Iowa; and Caroline, widow of Rev. .1. P.
.Mather, and a resident of Dubuque.

Thomas Simpson was only a few months old
when his parents came to America. He was reared
and educated in Dubuque, and during his younger
years engaged in mining, smelting and farming.
At the age of sixteen he finished a course of study
.asa civil engineerunder the instruction of the prom-
inent clergyman, Rev. E. .S. Norris, wIk) had for-
merly been SUite .Surveyor of Maine. In the win-
ter of 1853 Mr. Norris was given the contract by
tiie United Stjites Surveyor-General at Dubuque.
Iowa, for running the guide meridians and stand-
ard parallels, the base lines of the Government sur-
veys of Minnesota Territory. He took Mr. Simp-
son with him as one of his ussislaiits, but the work
was soon turned over to our subject, who com-
pleted it in IS.'io, and a record of the .same is in
the I'nitcd Slates Surveyor-General's olllcc at St
Paul. In the latter part of 1855 he was sent by

400

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the Government to Green Bay, Wis., to delciniine
the boundaries of the Menominee Indian Rei-erva-
tion and protect the Indians in their lumber and
timber interests, and while there lie also did some
surveying of public lands for the Government.

On the 1st of January, 1856, Mr. Simpson came
to Winona to make his home, an(l has lived here
continuousl}- since. He began business as a loan
agent, and also sold land-warrants and dealt in
land, continuing operations along the^^e lines for
several years. Throughout his life he has been a
student, and in his earlier years he studied law.
Soon after his arrival in Winona he met Rev.
George C. Tanner, an Episcopalian minister, who
aided him greatly in his studies. In IS.'JS he was
admitted to the Bar, and has practiced continu-
ously since. In his early days he formed a friend-
ship, which has continued through life, with Rev.
Edward Eggleston, author of "The lloosier School-
master" and other popular works. From early
life Mr. Simpson has been a communicant of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and from 1856 until
1892 was Superintendent of the .Sunday-school of
the Central Methodist Church of Winona, besides
tilling other important offices in the church.

One of the most important events in the life
of Mr. Simpson occurred October 30, 1860.
when was celebrated his marriage with Miss Isa-
bella ^Margaret Ilolstein. daughter of George and
Elizabeth (I'.lack) Ilolstein, natives of Pennsylva-
nia. Three children were born to them: George T.,
.lames K. and Earl. The mother died December
21, 1888, and in an article widely published in tlie
public journals of the county, entitled "A Living
Epistle," a most worthy tril)ute was i)aid to her
memory. .She was born in I.ewisburg. Pa., March
25, 1837, and was a daughter of Christian parents,
in whose home she received careful training. She
was educated in a private academy in her native
town, in Lewisburg University and in the Wes-
leyan F'emale College of Wilmington, Del. For
.several j'ears she was a teacher in the public
schools. In Wilmington she joined the Methodist
Church, and during her long residence in Winona
she was indeed "a living epistle" of the Christian
faith. During the war, as Secretary of the .Sol-
diers' Aid Society, she ministered to the sick and

wounded, and her memory is enshrined in many a
soldier's heart. When the Slate Soldiers' Orphans'
Home was located in AVinona, she was appointed
a director, and proved a mother to the little ones
whom war had left desolate. .She was an inspira-
tion to tlie hundreds of state normal pupils witli
whom she was brought in contact, and for twenty-
four years she taught a large Sunday-.scliool class,
mostly normal students, through whose lives her
inlluence is felt throughout the country. In the
various missionary societies, in temperance and
charitable work she was a leader, working in or-
ganized bodies, and by herself performing many
acts of which none knew save the recipient of her
kindness. The helpless, the desolate and the poor
found in her not merely an alms-giver, but a friend.
In all her public work her home was not neglected,
and it was there, perhaiis, that her best (lualities of
love, tendernessand helpfulness were displayed. She
was a woman of vigorous intellect, of sound judg-
ment and wonderful skill and tact, as well as a wo-
man who i)os»essed the tenderer qualities of nature.
Fitted by nature and education to shine in the
highest social circles, she sought out the lowly and
lost, carrying to the dark abodes of sin and want
and woe the light of God which shone in and
about her. She was plain and unassuming in
manner, taking no credit to herself, content to let
her light so shine that others, seeing her good
works, would glorify their Father in heaven. For
four years prior to her death she was a sufferer
from physical ailments, but did not seek the sym-
liathy of others, striving constantly, instead, to
bring brightness and happiness with her wherever
she went. Her Cliristlike character has made the
world better for her having lived.

Mr. Simpson was one of the charter members of
Prairie Lodge No. T, I. O. O. F., and is now an
honorary member. In politics he is a Republican.
Soon after attaining his majority he was elected
and served for two years as Justice of the Petice.
and was then made .Secretary of the consolidated
school districts of Winona, lie has been Alderman
of the city of Winona three terms, and was the first
I'resident of the Board of Education of this city.
In 1864 he was appointed a member of the Normal
.School Board of Minnesota, was its President for

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

401

many years, and continned one of its members un-
til 1«84. In 1866 he was elected to the State Sen-
ate for a term of two years, and was :in honored
member of the General Assembly, lie h.as owned
large landed interests in Minnesota, and also has
a fine home in U'lnnna. He came to Minnesota
when there were probably not six thousand peo-
ple in the territory. He has been prominently con-
nected with the manufacturing and financial in-
terests of Winona, and was one of the organizers

of the Second National Bank of Winona, serving
as its President for many years, lie is now Sec-
retary and General Counsel for ilie Winona «k
South- Western Railroad Company, and was one of
the promoters of that enterprise. His name is in-
separably connected with the history of this com-
munity, and among the most prominent citizens of
sou 111 western Minnesota Thomas Simpson is always
mentioned.

Asa Forsyth.

CT^ SA FORSYTH, deceased, was born in Chau-
/ — \ tauqua County, N. Y., on the 22d of Keb-
ruar\', 1812, and was a son of Charles and
Abigail (Killand) Forsyth, both of whom were of
Scotch descent, and were reared in Connecticut.
The grandfather was one of the heroes of the |{ev-
oliition, and the great-grandfather was an old sea
captain. Charles Forsyth served in the War of
1812 for a short time, and was stationed at Black
IJock. In the family were ten children who grew
to mature years, four sons and six rlaughters, but
onl_v two of the number are now living. '1 he
Forsyths removed to Chautauqua County, N. Y.,
at an early day, and in 1808 Charles Forsyth took
up three hundred acres of land on the Lake Shore
iV Buffalo Road, six miles east of the Pennsylvania
state line, four miles west of Wcstlield, N. Y., and
alwuta mile distant from I>ake Krie. He had one
of the most beautiful farms in western New York,
and his home commandcrl a line view of the lake
and surrounding country. The hou>ehold was
noted for its hospitality, and the friends of the
family were many. The descendants of Charles
Foisyth are still in possession of the homestead,

but none of the name are living. He was one of
the most substantial citizens of Chautauqua Coun-
ty, and his last d.ays were si)ent on the old farm,
his death there occurring in 1861.

Asa Forsyth remained under the parental roof
until eighteen years of age, attending the common
sclujolsand aiding in the labors of the tields. He
(lossessed much mechanical genius, being an expert
with all kind of tools, and his services were there-
fore valuable. On leaving home he assisted a
gentleman to take a raft of logs to Pittsburg, and
when sold the money was intrusted to him by the
owner to carry safely home. This he did, ))utting
the money in an old hand-bsig, which he thought
would arouse no suspicion as being the repository
of anything of value. I'ntil twenty-live years of
age lie was employed in various ways, scorning no
work that would give him an honest living. He
then |)urchased an interest in a carriage and wagon
factory in .Meadville, Pa., anil the lirm soon won
an enviable reputation and gained an extensive
business.

On the 8th of December. 1840, .Mr. Forsyth was
united in marriage with Miss .Sarah Liepharl, of

402

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Meadville, and to them was born one son, Charles
H., but on the 15lh of Ma3', 1876, he, their only
child, was called to the home beyond, his death
occurring in St. Paul, Minn. He followed the
river, having served as pilot, captain, and in other
capacities, and was on board his father's vessel,
"Tiie Julia," when he took his last trip to St. Paul.
Mr. Forsyth continued in the carriage business
in Meadville until 1845, and then sold out on ac-
count of poor health. Hoping that outdoor life
would prove beneficial, he then spent three years
in charge of the old homestead, and in 1849 re-
turned to Meadville with the intention of joining
a company en route for California, where he
wished to establish a sawmill; but owing to a lack
of funds on the part of some members of the com-
pany he abandoned the idea. In connection with
W. Baitlett he then started a wholesale grocery in
Meadville, which he carried on for ten years. On
the expiration of that period the firm purchased
an interest in a canal-boat, for all freight w.as then
carried on the Erie ife Pittsburg Canal, and they
believed the venture would be successful, and so
it proved. Another ten years p.asscd and Mr.
Forsyth, on account of ill health, was again forced
to seek a change of climate. He came to Winona
in April, 18.58, after having visited other portions
of the western countiy, including St. Anthony'
and St. Paul. Here he opened a loan oflice and
dealt in real estate until I860, when he embarked
in the grain business, forming a partnership with
H. D. Moss. He afterward had other partners, and
carried on operations along that line for some
time. At first he would furnish the capital, his
partner furnisliing the experience, but he found he
often lost in this way, and it was not until lie gave
bis personal attention to the business that he met
with success. Soon after his arrival in Winona he
invested in a large tract of laud in Olmsted Coun-

ty, the title of which was defective, and for a time
he thought it would be a total loss to him and
the land would revert to the Government. About
1868, through the efforts of the late Hon. H. M.
Rice, of St. Paul, while in the United State Senate,
his title was made good, and what at one time ap-
peared a total loss proved a valuable and profitable
investment.

On the 1st of .June, 1866, Mr. Forsyth lost his
wife, and on the 12th of December, 1870, he was
again married, his second union, celebrated in
Winona, being with Miss .lulia A. Liephart, a
younger sister of his former wife.

From 1870 until 1876 Mr. Forsyth owned a
small steamboat, "The .Julia," named for his wife,
which he used mainly for rafting purposes, his
son being pilot and captain on the same. He
made judicious investments in real estate, and ob-
tained several residences and other city property.
His home, located at No. 158 West Broadway, was
erected about twenty 3'ears since. His death oc-
curred September 27, 1891. He had no church re-
lations, Init donated the lot on winch was built the
First Episcopal Cliuich ol Winona, and was ever a
warm friend to the ministry and to all work
which was calculated to elevate humanity. In
business he was conservative. In ))olitics he was
a stanch Democrat, and when General Tajlor
made a tour through Pennsylvania he took as
much delight in the General's reception as though
he had been a candidate of the Democracy. To
his lionu' and family he was very devoted, and as
a friend he was ever loyal and true. Mrs. Forsyth
has been an .active worker in the church and gives
freely to the poor and need3'. Her husband had
full confidence in her ability to manage the prop-
erty interests, and they were a hajipy and devoted
couple.

€i^^>l'^l^!

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

403

William Hiltz.

WILLIAM HILTZ, a well kuown resident
of Winona, was for many years a lead-
ing fanner of tiie county, but is now
living retired in tlie enjoyment of a rest wliicli lie
has truly earned and riclilv deserves. He was born
in Herkimer County, N. Y., .lanuary 12, 1831, and
is a son of Solomon S. and Catherine (Folts) Hiltz.
The family is of German origin, and was founded in
America in llio early part of the eighteenth century
by the great-grandfather of our subject, who left
the Fatherland and emigrated to the New World,
taking up his residence in Herkimer County, where
occuned the birth of the grandfather, father and
that of William Hiltz. The grandfather served in
the War of 1 « 1 2.

The father w.as reared on the old homestead, and
after he had attained his majority was united in
marriage with Miss Folts, who was born in Herki-
mer County, N. Y., in 1804. Her parents were
also natives of that locality, and her grandparents
were natives of Germany. On leaving the Kmpire
Slate. Solomon S. Hiltz removed to Kane County.
111., where he made his home until 1864, when he
came to Winona. He settled on a farm in Sara-
toga Township, and to agricultural pursuits de-
voted his energies for many years. His death
there ficcurred at the advanced age of eighty-one.
His wife slill survives him, and at the age of
ninety* is living on the old home farm, liolh were
highly respected people, and liecame well known
citizens of this community.

At the age of nine years William Hiltz left

home and began working on the Black River
Canal. He was also engaged on the construc-
tion of the New York it New Haven Railroad for a
time. In 1849 he accomimnied his father to the
West and settled in 8t. Charles, 111., where he
worked on the construction of the Illinois Central
Hiiilroad. .Seven years were passed in that state,
after which he came to Minnesota, and in Ai)ril,
1856, took up a claim in WLnoiia County, enter-
ing from the (iovernment one hundred and sixty
acres of land in Fremont Township. This be at
once began to improve, for it was then a wild and
uncultivated tract, on which not a furrow had
been turned. With characteristic energy he began
to clear and plow it, and in course of time the
once wild prairie was transformed into rich ami
fertile fields, which yielded a golden tribute to the
thrift and enterprise of the owner. Good build-
ings were erected, and as the years passed his place
became one of the model farms of the neighbor-
hood.

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey,
Mr. Hiltz chose Miss Helen A. Duncan, and their
wedding w.is celebrated on the 26th of July. 18.52
The lady was Itorn in Klgin, III.. May 27, 1836,
and is a daughter of Craig and .lennette (Havens)
Duncan. Her father was lH>rn in Madi.son County,
N. Y.. May I. IHll.aud his parents were natives
of Vermont. His father was of Scotch extraction,
and made fanning his life work. Mr. Duncan was
both a farmer and carpenter. He emigrated west-
ward in 1835, settling in Illinois, where be made

404

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

his home until 1856, wlien he came to Winona
County, and took up a homestead in Fremont
Township. There he remained for several years,
after which he removed to Fillmore County, Minn.
His death occurred at the age of sixty-flve j'ears.
His wife was born in Le Roy, N. Y., and was called
to her final rest at the age of fifty-live. Her par-
ents were also natives of this country, and were of
Scotch-Irish lineage.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hiltz were born two children.
Mary P., the elder, became the ,wife of George J.
Orline, and died at the age of thirty-nine years,
leaving two sons. Gray H. and William H., who
are now living with their grandparents. Charles
L. was the first white male child born in Fremont
Townshi)), the date of that event being August 13,
1856. He is j-et living, and until March, 1893,
operated the homestead, but now lives with his
parents.

Mr. Hiltz votes with the Republican party, and

keeps well informed on the questions and issues of
the day, but has never sought or desired the hon-
ors or emoluments of public office. During the
greater part of his life he was a farmer, and in
his agricultural pursuits met with success. As his
financial resources increased, he added to his land
until he now owns a valuable tract of four hun-
dred and fort}' acres. He resided upon the farm
until 1890, when he came to Winona, where he has
since lived retired. He has taken no prominent
l)art in public; affairs, yet his life has been a busy
and useful one, and his career has ever been
straightforward and honorable. Few men have
started out to make their own way in the world at
an earlier age. His early life was not an easy one,
yet by being thus early thrown ujion his own re-
sources he developed a self-reliance and force of
character which have proven of incalculable bene-
fit to him. He is indeed a self-made man, and his
example may well serve to encourage others.

John Harders.

JOHN HARDERS, a contractor in brick and
stone work, doing business at No. 473 East
Broadway, came to Winona in 1866, and has
resided here continuously since. He at once
began business in the line of his trade, which he
carried on successfully- until ten years ago, when
he began contracting. He is now the senior mem-
ber of the well known firm of Harders & Gatz, his
partner being August Gatz. They do a general
line of brick and stone contracting, and have built
up an immense business, employing during the sea-
son of 1894 seventy-five men. Their business aver-
ages about #16,000 annually'. On all sides may be
seen evidences of their handiwork, and recently

they have erected the Polish Catholic Church, the
Knights of Pythias Building, the schoolhousc in
Spring Valley', a dispensary for Dr. Watkins, the
Madison School and the Sugarloaf School.

Mr. Harders is a native of Germany, his birth
having occurred in Hamburg, on the 30th of Janu-
ary, 1841. The d.ays of his boyhood and youth
were passed in the Fatherland, but when twenty-
four years of age he determined to seek a home
beyond the Atlantic, hoping thereby to benefit his
financial condition. It was in 1865 that he sailed
for the New World. After spending one year at
Pateison, N. J., he came to Winona, Minn., hav-
ing a brother-in-law, Nick Wcnk, who resided near

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

405

this place. For two j'ears he was in the omploy of
Charles Ruller. eng-igfed in ni.ikir.g scafToldiiig, .ind
in 1868 lie began to learn the stone and brick
mason's trade, being in the employ of others un-
til about 1884. when he embarked in business for
himself.

Mr. IJarders was married on the 8th of Decem-
ber, 186.5, the lad}' of his choice being Miss Lena
Ladewig. By their union have been born seven
children, four sons and three daughters, namely:
Willie, who is now in Oregon; Henry, a bricklayer,
who is working with his father; and Rudolph, Harry,

Lizzie, Ella and Meda, all of whom are at home

with their parents.

The success with which Jlr. Ilarders has met in
his undertakings is indicated by the volume of
business which he now does. He learned his trade
in a careful and systematic way, and is thoroughly
familiar with the work in all its details, so that he
is now capable of managing others and having
them work to the best advantage. He is enter-
prising and progressive, and although he came to
tills country in limited circumstances, he is now
the possessor of a comfortable competence.

Hon. Orville Morell Lord.

HON. OKVIM.K MOKKI.L LORD. While
Winona C'lninly has much in the way of
natural resources and commercial tran-
sactions to commend it to the public, the chiet in-
terest centers in the lives of those citizens who
have achieved success for themselves, and at the
same time bcnctitcd the communily in which they
reside. Prominent among these nu-n is the subject
of this sketch, who was long identified with public
affairs in this section of the stale. For a number
of years past he has been to some extent retired
from public life, and now devotes his entire atten-
tion to the growing of small fruits, in which en-
terprise he has met with noteworthy success. He
makes a specialty of raising the "rolling-stone"
plum, which IS one of the finest in the state.

Mr. Lord was l)orn in the Idwii f)f China, in
what is DOW Wyoming County, N. Y., April 20,
1826. He is the son of Stephen S. and Caroline

(Badger) Lord, the former born in Saratoga Coun-
ty in 1778, and the latter in Cayuga County, N.
Y., in 1803. The ancestors of the family had re-
moved to New York from Tolland and Hartford
Counties, Conn. In 1831 .Stephen S. Lord re-
moved with his family to Dunkirk, N. Y., and in
1837 came to Michigan, settling in Metamoia, La-
peer County. The father was a blacksmith by-
trade, and also gave some attention to the cultiva-
tion of a small farm.

The subject of this sketch was in the winter sea-
sons a pupil in the district schools until he was
seventeen, after wliich he attended n private school
at I'ontiac, Mich., for thiec months. Afterward
he taught school during the winter months until
he was twenty-two. In 1848 he married Miss
.Martha K. Deming, of O.xford, Oakland County.
Mich., and they have had Ave sons and two daugh-
ters, of whom three sons and one daughter are now

406

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

living. In the spring of 1852 Mr. Lord came to
Minnesota, arriving here on the 2d of May. His
wife and two children arrived in .July of the same
year. He brought with him all his houseliold
goods, a span of horses and farming tools, intend-
ing to make agriculture liis exclusive business. It
is wortliy of note that his horses were the first
brought into the county. Instead of settling upon
a claim, as he had at first intended, he located in
the village of Minnesota City, where he bought
several lots and built a house.

Having acquired some knowledge of black-
smithing when he was 3'oung, Mr. Lord bought
the tools of a blacksmith and carried on the busi-
ness for a year or two, his shop being tiie only one
in tlie countj' at that time. In 1852 he shod tiie
first span of horses ever brought into the county
by a settler, and the first ever shod here. In .July,
1853, he was appointed Coroner for Fillmore
County by Governor Gorman. At the election
held in the fall of 1853 he was elected Reiirescn-
tative to the Territorial Legislature from tliis dis-
trict. The session was held from January 4 to
March 4, 1854. Among the acts of which lie se-
cured the passage were the original charter for the
Transit Railroad, the division of Fillmore County,
the creation of Winona Count}', and the establish-
ment of the county seat at what is now the city of
Winona. The present boundaries were defined by
Mr. Lord and submitted to some of the leading
citizens of Winona for their approval. He also
secured the passage of a memorial for a post route
from Minnesota City to Traverse des Sioux, and
carried the mail semi-monthly in 1855. This was
the first mail route established in the territory
south of the .St. Peter River, and was afterward
extended from Minnesota City to Winona, termin-

ating at the St. Peter River instead of Traverse
des Sioux.

In 1854 Mr. Lord built tiie first sawiiiill in tlie
county, this being in Minnesota City. In 1857 he
was appointed by the Governor as commissioner
for selecting land for the Transit Railroad Com-
pany. October 12, 1857, the appointment of Notary
Public was conferred upon him by the Governor!
both appointments having been unsolicited by him.
In 1859 he was a candidate for the Legislature,
but was defeated by Judge Orlando Stevens. He
removed to Michigan, and resided near Kalamazoo
from 1861 until 1864, when he returned to Minne-
sota and again took up his abode at Minnesota
Cit}-. In 1871 he was again a candidate for the
Legislature, but was defeated by seven votes. Two
years afterward he was elected to that body, and
served in the next session.

In September, 1875, Mr. Lord was appointed
County Superintendent of Schools to fill the va-
cancy caused b}' the resignation of Rev. David
Bunt, wiio had been appointed State Sui)erintend-
eiit of Public Instruction. He was re-elected to
the office of County Superintendent several times.
In the interests of popular education he has al-
ways been an active worker, and in addition 10 his
other oflicial positions li.is served almost continu-
ously as one of the School Committee in .Minne-
sota City since the first school was started there in
1852. Fialcrnally lie has been a member of the
Masonic order since 1862. Though not identified
with any denomination he contributes liberally to
the churches, and believes in putting the Golden
Rule into practice in dail}' life. Doubtless there
is no citizen in the county who has more friends
and fewer enemies than he. As a man of upright
character, irreproachable life and strict integrity,
lie enjoys the esteem of ail who know him.

i^^

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

407

Amasa Qleason.

•T^ MASA GLKASON. Tins •jentleinnn, who
r — \ is a native of Saratoga County, N. Y., lias
been a resident of Winona County since
1853, and lias done good work by aiding in tiio
rapid development of Pleasant Hill Tovvusliip.
He has been successful in his eflforts to acquire a
good home, and has aecomiilished his purpose by
strict attention to business and thorough responsi-
bility in all he undertakes, lie owns and occupies
one hundred and twenty acres of land on sections
3 and 10, which is well stocked and tliorouglily
tilled. The entire work of improvement has been
done by its (iresent owner. The house, barn and
other buildings are substantial, conveniently lo-
cated, and adequate for their respective purposes.
Mr. (ileason was born September 15, 1825, and
was the son of .loscph and .leinima Gleason. Ilis
education wiu< confined to the district school, which
he attended during the dull seasons of farm work.
His father died when he was a child of three years,
and he was therefore carefully trained by his
widowed mother. Amasa remained at home until
nineteen years of age, when he liegan earning
money by working out on farms b}- the month.
He was thus occupied for two or three years, when
he determined to try his fortune in the western
country, and in 1848 went lo .Michigan by way
of the canal and Lakes. He located in Lenawee
County, residing there for two years, and then
went to Wisconsin and purchased land in Fond du
Lac County. The tract was in its original state of
wildness, and after working hard to improve it for
three years, our subject sold out and removed to La

Crescent, this county, where he took up another
claim of Government land. He cleared a small por-
tion of this and lived there until 1856, when he
sold out and became identified with the agricultur-
ists of Pleasant Hill Township. His claim here
consists of one hundred and twenty acres of Gov-
ernment land, for which he jiaid ^1.25 per acre.
It is located on sections 3 and 10, Pleasant Hill
Township, and is regarded as one of the finest and
most tliorouglily improved farms in this locality.

On first making his home in this county Mr.
Gle.ason erected for his family a log cabin, which
was 14x14 feet in dimensions. As years passed
by and he grew more prosperous this rude struct-
ure was replaced b3' a more commodious and mod-
ern dwelling, and the family was made more com-
fortable. Mr. (Jlcason has received substantial aid
in what he has accomiilished from his devoted wife,
who was formeilj- Miss Harriet Sjialding. They
were married .March 30, 185G, and immediately
moved onto a wild tract of land, which they im-
proved in a profitable manner. Their children are
five in number: .Joseph W., who was bom .lanuary
10, 1857, and is a prosperous farmer of this county;
Mary, born August 27, 1859; Roland, who was
born .lanuary 19, 1862, and is living in Martin
County, where he is following farming pursuits;
George, who was Ixirn .lune 19, 1864, and is also*
farmer, living at home; and Kdnah .1., who waa
born .lune 16, 1867, and married George Wilson;
she resides about half a mile from the old home-
stead.

Mrs. Gleason was born in Lower Canada, Febru-

408

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

ary 26, 1827. She crossed over to the States in 1854,
locating at La Crescent, Minn., where her marriage
with our subject took place. They were subjected
to great inconveniences in the early settlement of
the county, but bravely overcame all obstacles
which beset their path, and rose to a position of
affluence. Mr. Gleason helped to organize the

first scliof)l in the township, and has ever since
been greatly interested in the cause of education.
He has been Supervisor and jii'ominent in all mat-
ters pertaining to the welfare of liis community.
For many years he has been identified with tiie
Methodist Ejjiscopal Church, and hasoreatl3' aided
the spread of the Gospel in his township.

William C. Swett.

WILLIAM C. SWETT, deceased, was one
of the honored veterans of the late war.
A native of Ohio, he was horn Septem-
ber 8, 1825, and died September 19, 1875, at the
age of fifty years, respected by all who knew him.
The daj'S of his boyhood and youth were spent in
his father's home, where he remained until twenty-
five years of age. He then started out in life for
himself and gave his attention to farming, which
he followed during his active business career.

On tlie 28tli of September. 1849, Mr. Swett was
united in marriage with Miss Sarah S. Whitlock,
daughter of Levi C. and EmelineC. (Sissan) Whit-
lock, both of wliom were natives of Connecticut.
Her father was a native of that slate and a farm-
er by occupation. Emigrating westward, he lo-
cated in Winona County, Minn., in the year
1859, and died May 20, 1894, at the age of ninety
years. He carried on agricultural pursuits during
the greater part of his life, but during his last
years lived retired in the town of Pickwick. He
iiad a family of eleven children, eight of whom
are now living. His wife died about 1890.

Mr. and Mrs. Swett were in very limited cir-
cumstances at the time of their marriage, but de-
cided to try their fortune in the West, and com-

ing to Winona County, Minn., entered eighty
acres of land from the Government, to which he
afterward added by purcliase another tract of
eighty acres. This heat once cleared, plowed and
planted, and in course of time good harvests were
garnered, and the wild land was transformed inttt
rich and fertile fields. Mr. Swett continued his
farming until after the breaking out of tlie late
war, when he responded to the country's call for
troops, and went to the South. The rigors and
hardships of army life, however, undermined his
health, and after a year and a-lialf of service he
was discharged in one of the hospitals of New
Orleans. He then returned home, wreckeil in
health and almost blind, but in tliese trying d.-jys
his wife indeed proved a helpmate to him, and l)y
her capable manaoeinenl of the farm all indebted-
ness was paid off and financial .-ifTjiirs were placed
in a good condition.

.\fter the death of her husband. .Mrs. Swell con-
tinued on the farm for ten veal's, rearing liei fam-
ily and managing the business interests. About
1885 she removed to Dakota, where she has a good
home, but did not dispose of the land until the
fall of 1893. About the time of her husband's
death, she applied for a pension, but the petition

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

409

was not granted until about four years later. She
now receives ^1-2 per month, to wliich she is justly
entitled.

Four cliililren were horn to Mr. and Mrs. Swett,
hut only two are now living. Klherl W., horn
.luly 22, Ift:)0.die(1 on the I3tli of .July, 18(57. be-
ing drowned in the Pickwick mill-pond wIhmi :i
youth of seventeen years. Levi I?., born .M.iv 17,
1855, resides on the old homestead, where he carries
on farming. Kliza \Y., born February 10. IHo'.l,
died on the 22d of .July of the same year. Sarah
J., born .lulv 18, 1862, is now engaged in dress-

making in La Crosse, Wis. In his political views
Mr. Swett was a Republican, joining the ranks of
the part3' on its organization, for he was a stalwart
opjionent of slavery, and the Union found in him
one of its able defenders, and he continued among
tlie loyal boys in blue until physical disability-
rendered his service no longer possible. lie be-
longed to the Christian Church, as does his wife,
and llirouglioul the connnunity was held in high
regard. Mrs. Swett has many friends in Dakota,
and, like her husband, deserves mention in the
history of their adopted county.

Alexander Cramer Mason.

nLKXANDRR CRAMER MASON, who
now living a retired life in Winona, w

IS

f m now living a runreii me in tv inona. was
born in Cliaml)ersburg, Franklin County.
Pa., on the 12th of April, 1818. His father, George
Mason, who was a native of Virginia, kept a hotel
on the old Pennsylvania Turnpike, and teamed
across the mountains to Pittsburg. He married
Catherine Reinhart, who died in 1827.

Alexander Mason spent his boyhood days u|)on
the farm and in a country mill. At the age of
twenty years he began learning the stonemason's
and bricklayer's trade, serving a three-years ap-
prenticeship, and when that time had expired he
starte<l out as a journeyman, 'i'hroughout Ins
business career he followed those lines of trade.
Later he went to HariL-burg, Pa., where he had pre-
viously worked for some time on the lii-st railroad
bridge at that point. Leaving that ])lace in 1841,
he started for the South, locating in \icksburg,
where he followed his trade until the spring of
1841. Ill that year he returned to Cincinnati,
Ohio, and made his home In the Buckeye State

until 1865, during which time he worked on the
new court house in Cincinnati for a part of three
years. He also worked in Toledo, but at length he
determined to go further west, and Minnesota was
chosen as the scene of his future labors.

On his arrival in this statt; Mr. M.a'son settled in
Plain view. Wabasha County, where he remained
for three years, when, in 1868, he came to Winona.
Since that time he has made his home in this city
and has been recognized as one of its leading citi-
zens. For a part of one season he was employed
on the construction of the normal school building.
The following year he sei iired a small farm live
miles from Winona, and there he lived for seven
years, while through the summer nuuiths he worked
.as a contractor and builder in Winona. For eight-
een years his present residence has been his home.
He c(mtinued contracting for some years and won
success in his imdert.ikings, so that he is now en-
abled to live retired, resting in the enjoyment of
the fruits of his former toil.

On the 7th of April, 1847, in Cincinnati, was cele-

410

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

hrated the marriage of Mr. Mason and Miss Hester
Maria Biles, wlio was born in Wasliington, Wash-
ington County, Pa., on the 16th of .June, 1820.
Mrs. Mason's parents were William P. and Mary
(McCauley) Biles, both of whom were natives of
the Keystone State. Mr. Biles was by trade a car-
penter. They had a family- of eight children, three
sons and five daughters, only three of whom are
now living. The eldest, Eliza, widow of William
Donaldson, resides at Plain view, Wabasha County,
Minn., and has attained the age of eighty-eight
years. Mrs. Mason was the seventh child in order
of birth. Margaret, the youngest, is the wife
of Adam Keck, of St. Louis. Mr. Biles died in
Ohio in 1851, at the age of nearly seventy- three,
and his wife survived him several years, dying at
the home of her daughter, Mrs. Mason, in Winona,
in 1877, aged ninety-three years.

Mr. and Mrs. Mason became the parents of seven
children, who grew to mature years. George Ed-
win is a leading contractor of Cincinnati, Ohio.
William Alexander was reared in Winona, but for
tiftccn years lived in Cincinnati, where he was in
partnership with his br(.ther George. He married
in that city, and there died at the age of forty-four
3ears, just at twelve o'clock on the night of De-
cember 31, 1893, as the bells were announcing the
death of the old and the birth of the new year.
Mary Kate is now the vvife of Henry Willis, a
dealer in coal and lime of Winona. Franklin Biles,
who is well known in Winona, where he served as
bookkeeper and also cairied on a store for a time,

is now in St. Louis. Edwin Keck, who was in
partnership with his brother Franklin in Winona
until their store burned out, is also now located in
St. Louis. Hester Ellen died July 31, 1884, at the
age of twenty-six years. She was educated in the
normal school, and at the age of twenty began
teaching, being thus employed in the country
schools of Winona and Renville Counties until
failing liealth caused her to abandon that work.
She died of quick consumption after six months'
illness. She w.as a bright student and a faithful
and successful educator. In her social relations
she was considerate of her friends, alw.ays kindly
disposed, and those who knew her held her in the
highest regard. She held membership with the
Methodist Episcopal Church, as does her sister,
Emma .li-annette, who is the youngest of the family
and is still at home.

In early life Mr. Mason was a supporter of the
Democracy and voted with it until 1860, when he
cast his ballot for .John Bell. Since the organiza-
tion of the Prohibition party he has been one of
its most stalwart advocates. For forty-nine j-ears
he has not tasted a drop of liquor. On the 22d
of August, 18I,T, he joined the S(ms of Temper-
ance, and to that old pledge taken so long ago be
has ever been true. Mr. Mason is always found
loyal to the cause he espouses and to a friend. He
is a man of sterling worth and strict integrity, and
his honorable, upright life has gained for him the
confidence and esteem of all with whom he has
been brought in contact.

.4--i-+++-ft

,4-itd:++-l-++S
.-+•++ +++•.

-+.++ ' - ^ t+-f-'

.<4-ii

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

41!

Adam Bohn.

'^T\ DAM BOIIN, llie genial proprietor of the
/ — \ Riverside Fruit Farm, located on section
31, Homer Township, is doing a good
business as a horticulturist and is well known
throughout Winona County. lie claims Germany
as the land of his birth, which occurred in the
town of Immenhausen, Ilessen, on the 15th of
January, 18l'.». His parents were Henry and Katie
(Schwartz) Bohn. They, loo, were natives of Ger-
many, and in that country the father earned on a
hotel and owned a farm, which he operated until
his emigration to America. In the year 1869 he
bade adieu to home and friends, sailed for the
New World and took up his residenc<; in the city
of Winona, where be secured a position with Con-
rad Bohn, a manufacturer of sash and doors and a
general lumber dealer. The father was here em-
ployed until his death, which occurred on the lllli
of November, 1880. His wife survived him only
a few months, and pa-ssed away on the 17th of
March, 1881.

This worthy couple became the parents of six
children, all of whom are yet living in Winona
{'ouiity. .Facob Bohn is now employed as baggage-
master on the Chicago A' North- Western Railway,
a position which he has filled for the long period
of twenty-six years; .John now resides in Winona,
and is engaged in the dairy business; Adam is the
next younger; Mrs. Klizabetli (iarrison also makes
hrr home in the county .seat; Delerick is now a
retired merchant living in Winona; and Henry is
engaged in the dairy business in this county.
Adam Bohn spent the first seventeen yeai-s of

iiis life in his native land and then accompanied
his parents on their emigration to America, re-
maining with tliein until he had attained his ma-
jority. In the public schools his education was
acquired, and in his youth he became familiar with
farm work in all its departments. On starting out
in life for himself he began work at the carpenter's
trade, which he followed for twenty-four years,
doing a good business along that line. He was
an expert and faithful workman, who thoroughlj*
understood his business and alw.iys lived up to his
contracts. He has been emi)loyed on many of the
buildings of the county, and many good residences
stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise.

About 1890 Mr. Bohn purchased a tract of land
on section 31, Homer Township, for which he paid
*1,800. Upon this he erected a good house and
began the development of what is now known as
Kiverside Fruit Farm. All of the improvements
there seen were placed upon the farm by Mr. Bohn
and have made this one of the desirable and valu-
able properties of the township. He gives his en-
tire attention lo the cultivation of large and small
fruits of good varieties, and these find a ready
sale in the market, thus bringing him a fair in-
come.

Ml. Biilin w.ts married on the 2i;thof Septemlwr,
18(j8, the l«d.\ of his choice being Miss .Sophie,
daughter of Thomius lleberer, who was a native
of I llinois, and who came to Minnesota in 18.'>3.
He located upon a farm in Winona County, where
for five years he made his home, and then removed
to the city of Winona, where he resided until his

412

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

deatli. He was one of the early settlers and was a
man highly esteemed for iiis sterling worth. lie
passed away on the 8th of July, 1888, and in less
than a year his wife was called to her final rest,
departing this life in May, 1889. They were the
parents of three children, all yet living: Mrs. Bohn,
wiio was horn in Illinois .July 18, 1851; Louisa,
now a resident of La Crosse, Minn.; and Mary,
born .January 16, 1848.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bohn have been born nine chil-
dren, and the family circle yet remains unbroken.
The\' are: Otto, the eldest, who was born Novem-
ber 11, 1870. and is now living in Winona; Mrs.
Cora Langian, who w.is born October 21, 1874,
and makes her home in Winona; Frank, born Au-
gust 13, 1881; Clara, .September 19, 1882; Rosie,

on the 12th of August, 1884; Irena, December 17,
1886; Mabel, April 14, 1889; Walter, May 5, 1891;
and Charlie, March 26, 1892. With the exception
of the two eldest, all are yet with their parents.

The Bohn family is one of prominence in the
community and its members rank high in the social
circles in which they move. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Bohn are members of the Presbyterian Church, and
in his political views he is a Democrat, but is not
strongly |)artis.aii. He would not hold himself
bound by i)arty ties should he for any reason wish
to support an^' other than a Democratic candidate.
He is a good financier, a careful business manager,
and his success has come to him as a result of well
directed efforts.

Conrad Fakler.

/'~>'ONRAD FAKLKR, a retired farmer resid-
^^y ing at his pleasant home on West Wabasha
Street, Winona, well deserves the rest which
lie is now enjoying, for his life h.as ever been a
busy and useful one. A native of German3', he
was born in Wurtemberg, on the 27th of Novem-
ber, 1827, and in the Fatherland spent the days of
his boyhood and youth. His father was a mill-
owner, and during his childhood Conrad learned
the miller's trade. When lie had attained his ma-
jority he sailed for the New World, hoping to ben-
efit his financial condition. He sailed from Ger-
many in March, 1848, about ten days before the
beginning of the revolution of that year.

After reaching the United States Mr. Fakler
made his way to St. Louis, Mo., where he secured
work in a mill, and his ability won him promotion

therein. On the death of the head miller he was
given his position, and thus served for about six
years, receiving good wages. In 1860 he came to
Winona. It was his intention to go to New Ulm,
Minn., but on stopping at this place he decided to
locate here, and soon secured the land which he
now owns, paying for the same ^3 per acre. The
tract comprises one hundred and twenty acres, and
is situated in Wilson Township, eight miles south-
west of Winona. At the time of Mr. Fakler's pur-
chase it was all raw land, not a furrow having been
turned or an improvement made. With character-
istic energy he began its development, and soon
transformed it into a fine farm, whose rich and
fertile fields yielded to him a good income. Thor-
oughly understanding his business, he won success
and became the owner of one of the most desirable

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPtUCAL RECORD.

413

places in the neighborhood. To farm work he de-
voted his energies until 1885, when he laid aside
business cares.

While in St. Louis Mr. Fakler was united in mar-
riage with Miss C'atlierine Fell, and to tliein have
been born six children: CV)nrad, who is now living;
in Hillsdale Township; Joseph; George, who is liv-
ing on his father's farm; August, who resides in
Winona Township; Adam; and lierlha, wife of
Arnold Wunderbee, a resident of Minneapolis.
The fannly now reside on West Wabasha Street,
where Ihcy have a pleasant home.

Mr. Fakler is independent in politics, and has

never sought olHce. Hejs a self-made man, who
since an early age has made liis own way in the
world, and therefore deserves great credit for his
success. He has met with reverses, but overcame
these by determined effort and persistent energy,
and steadily pushed his way forward until he
reached the goal for which he had striven. lie is
now possessed of a comfortable competence, which
enables him to spend liis declining days in retire-
ment. Me is a pleasant and accommodating gen-
tleman, and a large circle of friends have for him
the highest regard.

James Cleveland Blake.

JAMES CLEVELAND BLAKE, deceased, was
a native of Connecticut, his birth having
occurred in Winsled, Litchfield County, on
the 12th of July, 18^9. Mis parents were
Charles II. and .lennie (Cleveland) RIake. Ills
early boyhood days were p.issed under the parent-
al roof, and at the age of fifteen he began clerk-
ing, which occupation he followed until twenty-
two years of age. In that year he emigrated
westward, seeking n home in Winona, hoping
that a change of climate would prove beneficial to
bis health, which had failed.

In order to earn a livelihood, Mr. HIakc sought
and obtained a position as salesinan in the grocery
store of K. F. Curtis, and in 1872 became a partner
in the concern, the connection continuing for four
years, lie then purchased an interest, in connec-
tion with Mr. Curtis and Thomas Simpson, in
the Winona Carriage Company, now the Ciale
City Carriage Company. This connection contin-
ued until 1H78, when, on the death of Mr. CurtU,
the business was discontinued. lie was instru-
mental in inducing the Hushford Wagon Company
18

to locate at this place, and became a stockholder
in the Winona Hushford Wagon Company, of
which he was made Secretary and Treasurer. From
this time until his death he was connected with
that enterprise, and niudi of its success w.is due to
his untiring efforts and good business ability-.

Mr. Blake was married October 4, 1870, the
wedding taking place in Winsted, Conn., .Miss Anna
lieicher, a native of that place, becoming bis wife.
To them were born the following children: Charles
I'.cecher, .lames Hronson and Ward Mitchell, all
at home; .Susan, who was a student in the normal
school, and died Noveralier 7, I88i), in her eight-
eenth year; Mary Cleveland, who died in infancy,
August 8, 187G; and Harry, who also died in in-
fancy.

Mr. Blake's residence was erected in the year
l8iSl,and he left his family in comfortable circuin-
stance.H. He was a memlior of the Board of Trade,
and was an elllerpri^illg anil progrosf«ive business
man, to whom the life and prosperity of the city
are largely due. He was a menil)cr of the Congre-
gational Church, and took nii active interest in its

414

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

work :ui() uiibuikliiig. Everything pertaining to
the welfare of tiie coranuinity received his support,
and he was recognized as one of the most valued
citizens of Winona County. He spent the winteis
of 1888-8!) and 1889-90 in California. In the full
of the last-named year lie had to withdraw from

business, and on the 15th of April, 1891, he de-
l)arted this life, his death resulting from lung
trouble. He was a man of genial and pleasant
manner, popular alike with his associates and em-
ployes, and all who knew him mourned his loss.

John Gordon.

JOUK GORDON has been identified with the
development of Pleasant Hill Township ever
since returning from the war, with the ex-
ception of five years, when he was a resident
of Witoka. He now owns two hundred and ten
acres of laud, which is situated on section 31, and
here he is engaged in general agricultural pursuits,
in which he has met with success.

A native of Ireland, our subject was born July
4, 1828, and is one of six children, four sons and
two daughters, all of whom are living. The boy-
hood of our subject was passed on a farm, and his
educational advantages were rather limited. When
he was fifteen years of age he began learning the
tailor's trade, at which he worked for about two
years.

In 1849 John Gordon took passage in a sailing-
vessel, and at the end of a voyage which con-
sumed thirty-three days landed in New York City.
Near the metropolis he found work as a common
laborer until 1854, wlien he came westward as far
as Janesville, Wis. In that state lie continued to
live until the spring of the following year, when
he came to this county and located in Pleasant
Hill Township. .Soon afterward he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land at second-hand,
which was heavily timbered, there being no im-
provements upon the place. The young man erect-

ed a log cabin, which is still standing, and under
the roof of which he continued to dwell until the
breaking out of the late war.

August 2, 1862, Mr. Gordon enlisted as a priv-
ate in Company K, Ninth Missouri Infantry, and
was mustered in at Ft. Snelling. There he re-
mained until the spring of 1863, when with his
regiment he was ordered out to quell the Indian
troubles in the Northwest, and was in several more
or less serious encounters with the rest of the men.
Later he was sent to Nidford, his duty being to
help protect the settlers on the frontier. In the
fall of 1863 lie w,as sent South, and his first regu-
lar battle was that of Raleigh Cross Roads. He
was unfortunate enough to be captured in this en-
gagement, which look place June 10, 1864. He
was taken to Mobile, and was detailed to lake care
of the wounded in the hospital. Subsequently
he went to Selma, thence to Montgomery, and
finally to Macon, Ga. He was there until Sher-
man had started on his raid from .\tlant,n, and was
then sent with other prisoners to Andersonville. He
had made some money while working in the hos-
pital, and, as his captors had not searched him, he
was much better off than most of the other pris-
oners, as he had the wherewithal to purchase
rations from thcguarils. Nevertheless he was con-
fined in the dreaded Andcrsouvillp Prison from

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

415

August, 1864, until May, 1865. Previously, at
the battle of Bvice's Cross Roads he had been
wounded l>y a minie-ball, which struuk his col-
lar bone. When he went into the service he
weighed one hundred and eighty-eight pounds,
but on his discharge tipped the scales at onl}' one
hundred and twenty pounds. From Anderson-
vllle he was taken to .lacksonville, and from there
to Annapolis, Md., where he was confined in the
hospital from May 9 until July. He received his
honorable discharge on the 2d of .July, 186.5, and
at once returned home.

A short time after the last-named event our
subject purchased ten acres of land in Houston
County, just across the line from thiscounty. His
homestead now comprises two hundred and ten

acres, which i.> a desirable and valuable piece of
])ropertv, having l)ecn well improved, and yield-
ing abundant crops in return for the proprietor's
care and industry. Politically he is a Democrat,
and socially he is a member of the Grand Armj'
of the Republic.

September 11, 18.58, Mr. Gordon was married,
and his union has been blessed with the following
children: Catherine, who died February 20, 1885;
Annie, who was called to her final rest .July 1,
1882; Lizzie, wife of Frank Monohan, of Witoka;
James, Mary J., William and Joseph. The family
are members of the Catholic Church, and have
hosts of sincere friends and well-wishers in the
community where they dwell.

Henry Stinson.

HKNRY STINSON has been for about thirty
years identified with the upbuilding and
growth of Winona County, as he located
within its borders only a few months after the
close of the war. With the exception of about
three years, since his coming here he has owned
and operated the farm where he now has his home.
This is situated on section 20, Pleasant Hill Town-
ship.

Henry Stinson is one of ten children, six sons
and four daughters, born to Gilford and Lucy
(Townes) Stin.son. Their other children are named
».s follows: Adeline, Ann .leanette, Colby, Riioll,
.Sumner, KIbridge, Solan and L.S. T. The brothers
Colby, Elbridge. Kuell and our subject were all in
the Union service during the War of the Rebellion,

and Colby was killed on the battlefield of Pitts-
burg Landing. Elbridge died at Little Rock, Ark.,
in the hospital, from disease contracted during the
service.

The birth of Henry Stinson took place in Lin-
coln County, .Me., January .'JO, 1834. He was born
and roared on a farm, and continued to live with
his parent-s until he was twenty-six yeai-s of age.
In company with the other members of the family
he went to Wisconsin in 1841», and resided for a
number of years in Racine County. AfU-rwards
he was for a time a resident of Adams County.
From Ihcrc he enlisted as a private in fompaii}-
C, Fifty-first Wisconsin Infantry, this event occur-
ring March 17, 1864. His first service was in St.
IjOUis, whither he had been sent by way of Mil-

416

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

waukee, and after spending some six weeks in tbe
Missouri metropolis lie was sent to Kingsrille, in
tlic same state. From there lie proceeded to Mad-
ison, Wis., wiiere at the end of the war lie was dis-
charged with the rank of Corporal.

For a few months after his return from army
service Mr. Stinson lived at his old home in Wis-
consin, but soon came to Minnesota and for three
years rented land in Homer Township, this county.
Afterward he settled on a farm in Pleasant Hill
Township. The place where he now dwells is sit-
uated on section 20, Pleasant Hill Township, and
has been placed under good cultivation and im-
provement since it came into his possession. The
owner is a practical and thorough agriculturist,
using the most advanced ideas as well as the old
and tried in the management of the farm.

In 1854 Henry Stinson married Miss Candauc
Irene Geny. They have become the parents of
seven childvpii, who are named respectively, Ida,
Cyrus, Annie, Rena, Ada. Lydia and Jennie.
They are all being given excellent school advant-
ages and are being fitted to take their places in
society and in the battlefield of life with credit to
themselves and to their parents.

Politically Mr. Stinson is affiliated with the Re-
publican part}' and is a member of the Grand Army
of the Republic. He faithfully uses his influence
and means to promote good citizenship and the
prosperity of the locality in which his home is
made. He bears a high reputation among his
townsmen as a man of honor and high integrity
in all his dealings.

Leonard L. Mann.

'I' EONARD L. MANN, who carries on farm-
I Cy ing on section 34. Wiscoy Township, and
also engages in the work of the ministry,
is one of the worthy and honored citizens that
New York has furnished to Winona County. He
was born in Schoharie County of the Empire State
on the 22d of July, 1821, and is a son of Levi
and Lucy R. (Greenwood) Mann. The father was
a native of Worcester, Mass., and the family' is of
English lineage.

Leonard Mann is one of four chiliircii. He was
reared on a farm, and the work connected with the
life of an agriculturist was made familiar to him
in early life. He attended the district schools and
acquired a good practical education. Not content

to become a tiller of the soil, and wishing to enter
the ministry, when twent^^-one j'ears of age be
went to Hamilton, N. Y., in order to prepare him-
self for that work. There he continued his studies
for four years, and for one year was a student in
Worcester, Mass. He was licensed as n minister of
the Baptist Church before going to Hamilton, and
on leaving school he took charge of a church in
Ulster County, N. Y. He continued in the active
work of the ministry from that time until 1860,
when he came to Winona County and located on
the farm on section 34, Wiscoy Township, where
he yet makes his home. He has eighty acres of
land, which he has placed under a high state of
cultivation, making good improvements thereon.

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPEHCAL RECORD.

ii:

the neat appearance of the place indicating his
thrift and enterprise. To some extent lie has also
continued his ministerial work, serving as a local
preacher.

On the 2Gih of May, 1847, Mr. Mann was united
in marriage witli Miss C. P'reemah, and to them
were born three children. The mother of this fam-
ily was called to her final rest in December, 1859,
and in 1860 Mr. Munn was again married, his sec-
ond union being with Miss A. Sinclair. Their

union was blessed with three children, as follows:
William, Minnie and Lenora K.

Mr. Mann votes with the Republican parly, but
has taken no active part in political affairs. He
devotes all his time to his farm work and to the
ministry, laboiing earnestly in the Master's vine-
3'ard. Ilis life has been a power for good, and his
influence has been felt by many with whom he has
come in contact.

*_

"T^^*

,:^S^

INDEX.

^sj^

,'. .+..*. AA .t..t. .> .t..t. .r. A .1. .t. A .■'. .r. .t. .t. .>•. A .+. .t. A A >. A A, A A A .t. a .^

^^.Tin-s"^'

''>kC'

BlOGRAPlflCAIi.

AhboU, W. D 284

Abell, Austin 163

Abell, Otis 240

Adams. John 23

Adams, John Q 39

Ailing. Samuel A 231

.\rthur, Chester A 99

B

Hain. John 225

Baker. Daniel 144

Ball, Col. John 222

Ball, Joseph D 322

Ballmann, Berend 385

Beck, C. C 212

Berry, Hon. Charles H 149

Bierce, C. A 394

Biesanz, Philip 253

Blake. James C 413

Bohn, .\dam 41 1

Bradley, Rlgar A 278

Brady. Thomas 395

Brainard. Uucius... 248

Braley, Silas 161

Brammer, Samuel 324

Breed, Nelson 396

Brown, Jerod 268

Brown, Nathan 314

Brown, Wilson C 377

Buchanan, James 75

Butler. Charles 303

Caine. William W 119

Canfield, Herman 319

Chamberlin, William A 264

Ch.imbcrs, James 1 24

Chapman, C. C 249

Christie, William G 316

Clark, George W 205

Cleveland, S. Grover 103

Cockrell. Francis M 209

Cooper, August J 352

Corey, Clark G 285

Corey, Gilbert M 305

Corey, Hainden A 329

Cotter, Rt.-Rev. Joseph B 260

Cotton, Samuel B 246

u

420

INDEX.

Einhorn, Michael 338

Evans, John 375

Fakler, Conrad 412

P'arrar, Harry C 283

Farrar, John L 139

Ferrin, Lewis B 331

Fillmore, Millard 67

Fitzpatrick, P 127

Fleischer, Jacob F 361

Forsyth, Asa 401

French, John S 277

Cox, Henry G I77

Cox, Henry S 348

Cox, Lyman B 244

Crooks, Robert 190

Crosgrove, Cyrus 121

Cross, Nathan M 267

Crow, N. V. A 169

Curtis, Hermon 186

D

Davis, Buel T 203

Denno, John 234

Dick, Samuel C 280 |

Dickson, Peter R 168

Dobbs, John 372

Doud, Chauncey 287

Drew, James M 351 \

Duncan, Robert J igr i

1
Duncanson, William 357 ^

Dyar, Alvano B 235

Fuller, Clarke A 160

Fuller, Martin H 376

Gallagher, Rev. P.J 359

Gardner, Sylvester 245

Garfield, James A 95

Garlock, William 387

Gartside, Frank E 226

Gates, Edson 270

Gates, Oscar J 391

Gault, Nathaniel C 199

Gay, J. F 196

Gensmer, Martin F.. 307

Gerrish , Charles 239

Gile, Charles A 210

Gile, John R 194

Gleason, Amasa 407

Gordon, John 414

Gould, Hon. Ozro B 167

Grant, Ulysses S 87

H

Haesly, Jacob 325

Hanson, Hans 335

Harders, John 404

Hardwick, James 224

Harris, Nat h an 369

Harrison , Benj ami n 107

Harrison, William H 51

Harrison, Willard 302

Hayes, John G 217

Hayes, Rutherford B 91

Hendee, William 125

Hennessy, James F 170

Hesselgrave, Abraham 233

Hill. Edwin 313

Hill, Lafayette 142

Hillmer, Joseph J 381

Hiltz, William 403

Holt, James. 340

Horan, Rev. John 306

Huffman, Elisha B 294

Jackson, Andrew 43

Jefferson, Thomas 27

Johns, Jacob 386

Johnson, Andrew 83

Johnson, Samuel A 192

K

_ Kaiser, William 298

Keenan, John 318

Knapp, Leonard 122

Knopp, Charles 214

Kuopp, Michael 289

Laberee, Franklin 271

Laberee, Moses 368

Laird, John C 300

Lake, Zaphna H 389

Lambert, Nic 378

Lamson. Watson 1 297

Leicht, Joseph 156

Lewis, William 159

Lincoln, Abraham 79

Litchtenstein. H. M., M. D 126

Lord, Hon. Orville M 405

Loucks. Benjamin J 207

Ludwig, Hon. John 257

INDEX.

421

M

Maceman, Bernard 327

Madison, James 31

Mallery, George B 262

Mann, Leonard L 416

Martin, Hon. Fares B 321

Martin, John F 153

Mason, Alexander C 409

Mathews, John A 117

Maynard, Reuben E., Jr 176

Mazy, Henry 354

Michel. Chris 358

Monroe James 35

Morgan, Michael 261

Murray, David A -390

N

Nagle, Michael 135

Nelson, Abraham 355

Nelson, Ole 384

Noonan, William 263

Page, Theodore K 174

Palmby, Robert 143

Palmer, Philo B 282

Parkhurst, William 336

Peirce, Thomas A., M. D 195

I'errin, Richard 296

Pickles, Fred H 208

Pierce, Franklin 7'

Pierce, Marshall N 383

Polk, James K 59

o

Quimby, Asahel B 3*7

R

Randall, Frank L 337

Rebstock, E. W 180

Reynolds, Joseph 333

Roberton , Thomas 1 75

Robillard, Wilford L 221

Rohweder, Prof. Hermann 397

Rowell, Mrs. Ruth M 341

Ruehman, Henry 320

Sartwell, Almon 133

Schell, Nicholas, Jr 374

Schmitz, Joseph P 250

Schmitz, Rev. Nicholas 215

Schulz, Martin 171

Sheardown, J. M 138

Sikorski, Louis 185

Simpson, Mrs. Ann C 181

Simpson, Hon. Thomas 399

Simpson, Verrazano 141

Sinclair, Alexander C 373

Sinclair, Daniel 172

Skinkle, Esbon 213

Smith, Alnius H 158

Smith, William E 157

Spalding, Samuel W 380

Speelman, Dingman 330

Staples, Franklin. M. D 392

Stevens, Norman B 131

Stickncy, Moses 189

Stinson, Henry 415

Swett, William C 408

Swindler, James H IJI

Taylor, Zachary 63

Thill, John 360

Thomas, Albert 152

Tibbetts, Oliver W 379

Timmons, Isaac W., M. D 216

Tomlinson, Samuel J 179

Tucker, Otis C 230

Tyler, John 55

Valentine, John 252

Van Buren. Martin 47

Vance, D. E 136

Van Gorder, S. D 347

Von Rohr, Rev. Philip 187

w

Waffles, Volney E 155

Wahl, H. S.. M. D 293

Waldron, Hannon 349

Waltham, John 228

Walz, Michael F 353

Washington. George 19

Waterman, Mrs. Mary E 259

Watkins, J. R 311

W'atts, William 120

Webber. Marshall B 275

Whetstone, David 265

Wilber. Hiram C 134

Wilbcrton, L. G., M. D 279

Williams, Peter H 197

Willson. Mark 269

Wilmot, Edwin D 399

Winona Wagon Company, The..37o
Wnnder, John 258

Tawney, Hon. James A.

.J65

Vale, Hon. William H -243

Adams, John 22

Adams, John Q 58

Arthur. Chester A 98

Berry, Hon. Charles H 148

Buchanan, James 74

Cleveland, Grover S 102

Corey, Hamden A 328

Davis, Buel T 202

Fillmore. Millard 66

Garfield, James A 94

Gerrish, Charles 238

Gould, Hon. Ozro B 166

Grant, Ulysses S 86

Harrison, Benjamin 106

Harrison, William H 50

Hayes, Rutherford B 90

Jackson, Andrew 42

Jefferson, Thomas 26

Johnson, Andrew 82

I incoln, Abraham 78

Ludwig, Hon. John 256

Madison, James 30

Mathews, John A 117

Monroe.James 34

Pierce, Franklin 70

Polk, James K 58

Robillard, Wilford L 220

Stevens, Norman B._ 130

Tawney, Hon. James A 364

Taylor, Zachary 62

Tyler, John 54

Van Buren, Martin 46

Van Gorder, S. D 346

Wahl. H. S., M. D 292

Washington, George 18

Watkins, J. R 310

Webber, Marshall B 274

V^^^^^^'